The construction of Scandlines‘ zero direct emissions ferry, the E/V Futura, has reached its final phase at the Cemre shipyard. The ferry recently underwent significant work in a floating dock, where its hull and thrusters were cleaned and painted, enhancing its energy efficiency. Precision measurements were also taken to ensure the ferry’s automatic mooring system and charging connections work seamlessly in the ports of Rødby, Denmark, and Puttgarden, Germany.
The E/V Futura is now at the fitting-out quay for the final installations and tests, including the critical Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT). Once these are completed, the ferry will be delivered to Scandlines, with plans to begin operations later in 2024, marking a significant step towards the company’s goal of achieving zero emissions on the Puttgarden-Rødby route by 2030.
MARIA GRAZIA ONORATO will return to Zeebrugge. She was on charter to CLdN, returned to the Med, left the Moby fleet and has now been renamed LONGSTONE.
She will be chartered by P&O Ferries (based upon port information).
She is due in Tilbury for berthing trials on the 25th of August, followed by Zeebrugge on the 26th and Hull for berthing trials on the 27th on River Terminal 1.
Photo: Mike Louagie
CLdN’s PEREGRINE is currently operating between Melbourne (Victoria) and Burnie (Tasmania) for StraitLink. She has been chartered to cover refits of other vessels. She has been temporarily reflagged to Australian flag.
Photo: Mike Louagie
Åland’s regional government has, on August 22, signed a letter of intent with Finferries regarding the creation of a joint company, with the aim of operating traffic in the Åland archipelago. The parties intend to acquire a joint 50/50 owned company whose name would be “Ålands Skärgårdsrederi Ab” with the marketing name “Axferries”. The company shall be in Mariehamn.
Photo: Håkan Fagerström, CEO of Finferries, Infrastructure Minister Camilla Gunell and Fredrik Pettersson, head of the Infrastructure Department during the press conference.
Source: Åland Landskapsregeringen
Stena Line reports a negative development for this year’s summer traffic between Sweden and Denmark, especially among Swedish, but also Danish passengers. In July, 14 percent fewer passengers travelled between Gothenburg-Fredrikshamn and Halmstad-Grenå compared to the previous year. However, the trend seems to be turning around and Stena Line expects to reach its budget targets in the coming months.
Source: Stena Line (in Swedish)