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2025 Newsletter week 02

Jan 10
2

Enhancing Connectivity: Gasay Ferry Terminal and Mallaig-Lochboisdale Vessel Development Projects

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CMAL published updates on two major projects as part of their public engagement efforts:

Gasay Ferry Terminal Development: This includes updates on the design and development of ferry terminal options for Gasay, with a focus on providing a robust business case for Transport Scotland’s approval. The project evaluates different terminal options (e.g., “Do Nothing,” “Do Minimum,” and “Do Something”) and includes economic assessments, wave modelling, and dynamic mooring analyses.

Mallaig – Lochboisdale New Vessel (MLNV) Project: This involves designing a replacement for the ageing ferry LORD OF THE ISLES. The new vessel aims to incorporate community feedback, improve accessibility, and adopt greener technologies, such as diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. The project also discusses associated shore power infrastructure and port studies.

Both projects emphasise public and stakeholder engagement, economic evaluation, and alignment with Transport Scotland’s investment objectives.

The document (PDF) can be read and downloaded here: https://www.cmassets.co.uk/presentation-materials-mallaig-lochboisdale-new-vessel/

Jan 10
2

Ardrossan Harbour Project Stalls as GLEN SANNOX Launches from Troon

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Kevin Hobbs, CMAL’s chief executive, told MSPs that funding talks with Ardrossan Harbour’s private owner remain “in the middle of nowhere.”

Ferry GLEN SANNOX, launching next week, will operate temporarily from Troon with three daily return crossings due to longer journey times. Ardrossan will see no CalMac sailings until the CALEDONIAN ISLES returns from repairs in March.

Approved in 2018, the Ardrossan Harbour Project was paused in 2023 over rising costs. Existing facilities are unsuitable for safely berthing larger vessels, delaying progress further.

Source: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wegzddy3xo

Jan 10
2

Port of Valencia Implements its Own 5G Connection Network

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  • This 5G network project is emerging as a key tool for the Port of Valencia to advance in its digital transformation.
  • The infrastructure will make it possible to work without cables or ties to external operators, with more than 25,000 connected devices: phones, vehicles, surveillance cameras, environmental sensors, security services and drones, among others.
  • The initiative has a budget of nearly six million euros, co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment.
  • Will operate independently of the criteria of a mobile operator.
Jan 10
1

IMAGE CARDS

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Fred Olsen Express’ newest ship, BARLOVENTO EXPRESS, began operations on Sunday, 29 December 2024, connecting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with Morro Jable in Fuerteventura. This high-speed ferry, which has a capacity of 866 passengers, 271 vehicles, and dedicated spaces for pets, brings the fleet total to 13 vessels.

Photo: Fred. Olsen EXpress

Tallink Silja Oy has signed a contract with Slaapschepen Public BV, an organisation nominated by Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA), to continue chartering the company’s vessel SILJA EUROPA to the Netherlands for six months starting from 1 January 2025 (with an option to extend the contract for an additional 7 + 6 + 6 months).

SILJA EUROPA has been chartered to the Netherlands since August 2022 to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.

Photo: Tallink Silja – Marko Stampehl

ANEK Lines’ pair of ferries, KRITI I (ex-New Suzuran, 1979) and KRITI II (ex-New Yukari, 1979), have been laid up in Elefsis Bay as of October 7, 2024, and November 2, 2024, respectively. This marks the probable conclusion of their remarkable service careers within the Greek ferry scene.

After 28 years of distinguished service in Hellenic coastal shipping, reports suggest that the two ships may soon be sold for scrap.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

After 12 years of lay-up in Elefsis Bay, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines has been sold for scrap. This legendary former Sealink vessel was purchased in February 1992 and deployed on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route in the summer of that same year.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

FRS expands its presence on the Rhine by taking over the historic Loreley Ferry Line, a connection with over 500 years of history between Sankt Goar and Sankt Goarshausen. This marks the second acquisition in the region within a short period, further solidifying FRS’s commitment to the Rhine and the Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage area.

LEONINE, the second of two G9 RoRo vessels for CLdN, has been launched at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The 234-metre ship boasts advanced engines, 6 MW shaft generators, and future-proof flexibility, cutting CO2 emissions by 40% compared to CELINE and DELPHINE while maintaining the same cargo capacity.

Photo: CLdN

The conversion of RoRo CABO STAR (ex EUROCARGO SAVONA) into a RoPax is well underway at Astilleros de Santander, a first collaboration with Baja Ferries.

The project involves constructing a new accommodation block, accommodating up to 399 passengers in double cabins and seats. Prefabricated steel blocks are being lifted onboard, paving the way for interior retrofitting, including saloons and common areas.

Photo: Astilleros de Santander

Gondan Shipyards launched its 500th newbuild. It is a ferry, with a capacity of 540 passengers, and the eighth in the series built for TTSL – Transtejo Soflusa.

Photo Astilleros Gondan

La Méridionale found a buyer for PELAGOS, in Egypt. The vessel will leave the fleet in spring.

Buyers unknown.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre