Nov 03
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Bluferries transferred from Rfi to Mercitalia Logistics

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The ferry company Bluferries has been transferred from Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to Mercitalia Logistics, both companies part of the Ferrovie dello Stato Group (the former is the manager of the national rail infrastructure, the latter is the logistics arm for cargo rail transport).

This operation “will allow greater sea-rail-road integration with a view to developing traffic in support of the local economy. The maritime operator’s employment level, which today consists of 145 people, will be entirely maintained” is written in a statement.

Bluferries’ fleet consist of five double-ended ships deployed between Villa San Giovanni and Tremestieri ports respectively in Calabria and in Sicily for the transport of Ro-Ro units and passengers.

A new to be completed vessel, with a hybrid propulsion system and sister ship of TRINACRIA currently under construction in Greece, is scheduled to join the company’s fleet in September 2024.

Nov 03
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Attica: Registration of the Highspeed Ro-Pax Vessel HIGHSPEED 3

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Attica Holdings S.A. officially confirmed the acquisition and registration in the Greek flag of the highspeed ferry HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-BORAQ, built at Austal in 2000). The vessel was acquired through a public auction held in Algeciras, Spain, by the 100% subsidiary of Attica Group, HELLENIC SEAWAYS, for a total consideration of EUR 2,410,000.

HIGHSPEED 3 is currently undergoing renovation. Upon completion she will enhance Attica Group’s presence on the routes it serves.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Nov 03
0

Port of Gothenburg Q3: Containers Up, Ro-Ro Down

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The Swedish purchasing power remains low in the wake of economic downturn, resulting in reduced container imports. However, overall container handling in the Port of Gothenburg is increasing as the Swedish export industry continues to thrive, with the forestry sector leading the way.

Intra-European Ro-Ro traffic decreased by 6% during the first three quarters of the year. Like the container segment, import volumes have gone down, but the upturn on the export side has not compensated to the same extent as in the container segment.

Source: Port of Gothenburg
Nov 03
0

New catamarans set to revolutionize coastal transport in Norway

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At Brødrene Aa’s shipyard in Hyen, two carbon fibre high-speed vessels are under construction, and the first vessel was recently launched and set afloat. These cutting-edge vessels will operate on 70% electric power, designed to navigate the demanding seas off Bodø.

  • Catamarans capable of running for two hours at 28 knots on battery power (= almost 60 nautical miles)
  • Designed to maintain a speed of 30 knots in 2.5-metre waves.
  • The challenge is to balance battery weight, passenger and cargo capacity, speed, and seaworthiness.
  • 40 metres in length and 10.3 metres in width.
  • Up to 130 passengers.
  • Designed for passenger transport in Væran and Gildeskål, but also capable of carrying various cargo types, including fish, bicycles, and kayaks.
  • Equipped with a specialized cold room and loading cranes for fish transport.

Photo: Arve Svenning

Source: Brødrene Aa
Nov 03
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Attica Group Will Invest EUR 31,3 Million on Anek Lines’ Vessel Upgrades

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According to the Greek press, Attica Group decided to invest EUR 31,3 million in Anek Lines’ vessels after the completion of the merger process with the Chania-based ferry operator.

More specifically, EUR 20 million will be given for the installation of scrubber units on two ANEK Line ships, while another EUR 11,3 million will be spend on the upgrading of its fleet.

Attica Group estimates that the company will save EUR 9,5 million from the scrubber conversion on both ships.

The merger will form the second largest passenger shipping company in Europe in terms of passenger capacity, while Attica Group will maintain the brand of ANEK Lines.

Nov 03
0

The Agreement for the Sale of the 67% of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority Shares to Grimaldi Group was Officially Signed

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On October 20, 2023, Grimaldi EuroMed – Minoan Lines – EKEV (Investment Construction Commercial And Industrial S.A.) officially acquired the majority share of the Port of Igoumenitsa -during a ceremony in the port facilities- in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides and CEO of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) Dimitris Politis.

The specific agreement aims to upgrade the port of Igoumenitsa as well as the better exploitation of its potentials as a major gateway to the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Sea.

The State will maintain the ownership of all the ports’ infrastructure, in which the State remains a strategic partner of the private investor, maintaining a 33% stake through HRADF.

As part of the agreement, the Greek State will also receive an annual concession fee equal to 3.5% of the revenues of the Port of Igoumenitsa S.A. Fee that will mainly be attributed to the Municipalities of Igoumenitsa and Filiates as a tangible financial benefit to the local community.

Nov 03
0

Three Greek Secondhand Vessels for Jadrolinija

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Croatian Jadrolinija went shopping in Greece, which means three vessels will be added to the fleet:

SVETI DUJE

  • Ex double-ender GLYKOFILOUSA IV (2017).
  • ΙΜΟ n° 9833993 [Marinetraffic].
  • LOA 107m | 780 Pax | 130 vehicles.
  • Purchased for EUR 7.7m (ex VAT) from Greek Livadas Shipping Co.
  • Future route: Split – Island of Brač.
  • Photo: Theodoropoulos Shipping.

UNIJE

  • Ex (2004) passenger-only ferry.
  • IMO n° 9289879 [Marinetraffic].
  • LOA 47m.
  • Purchased for EUR 2.0m (ex VAT) from Greek Star Gem Maritime Company.
  • Future route: Rijeka – Islands of Lošinj, Unije, Susak and Ilovik.
  • Photo: Star Gem.

HERMES

  • To be renamed (1997).
  • IMO n° 9168518 [Marinetraffic].
  • LOA 108m | 680 pax | 100 vehicles.
  • Purchased for EUR 12.0m (ex VAT) from Greek Horizon Shipping Company.
  • Future route: Split – Vela Luka – Ubli na Lastovo, and if necessary, Split – Vis.
  • Photo: Kerkyra

Jadrolinija’s President David Sopta also confirmed that the first phase of the tender for the construction of three electric ships, with an estimated procurement value of 45 million euros, has been completed. According to Sopta, negotiations on technical solutions are starting now, while the signing of the construction contract is scheduled for the end of the year. (source: Novilist.hr)

Nov 03
0

VIKING CINDERELLA reflagged under Finnish flag

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In March 2024, Viking Line will take its vessel Viking Cinderella out of cruise service between Stockholm and Mariehamn so that it can instead be launched in service on the company’s Helsinki-Mariehamn-Stockholm route. In conjunction, the vessel will be reflagged under a Finnish flag.

For Viking Rederi Ab’s staff, the change will not give rise to any redundancies. VIKING CINDERELLA’s staff will be offered continued employment on the vessel after the reflagging under Finnish collective agreement terms.

In the spring of 2024, a new cruise service departing from Stockholm will be launched in a joint venture between the shipping companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget. This will enable staff at Viking Rederi to express their interest in beginning employment on the vessel previously called BIRKA STOCKHOLM. This vessel will serve under a Swedish flag and be subject to Swedish collective agreement terms.

Based on the agreement between Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget, Viking Rederi will manage catering staff and Destination Gotland will manage operational staff on the jointly owned vessel.

Nov 03
0

Finnlines wants to remain a reliable sea bridge – deepens its commitment to Åland

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On Tuesday 31 October, Finnlines’ general management met with important stakeholders and decisionmakers in Åland, focusing on how to further develop and deepen the operator’s commitment to Åland.

Finnlines carries out 4 sailings to Åland every day – 2 in each direction. The frequency of the sailings will remain unchanged, but with even more capacity when a second Superstar vessel is introduced Q1 2024.

Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO, Finnlines.

”In our view we are building bridges, not just vessels. We are a reliable infrastructure connection and set up sea bridges with a long-term commitment. We belong to a large group, which is beneficial as it makes it possible for us to invest in new sustainable vessels. But we are also a local operator, with a clearly local focus on our different routes. Långnäs is and will remain a key port in our Finland–Åland–Sweden route, even if we also might call at Mariehamn on some occasions.”

Thomas Doepel, Vice President and Deputy CEO, Finnlines

”One of the purposes of our visit to Åland is to tell about our sustainability work, how we are step by step implementing the best technology available. We will continue our investments in newbuilds, and shift to sustainable fuels when we can rely on the market. We will also continue upgrading our older vessels with new technology.”

Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Service, Finnlines

”We hope to help increasing the tourism to Åland, where we see a large potential. Therefore, we also wish to deepen our cooperation with Visit Åland, with a joint objective to attract more visitors to Åland. Our part of this work is to deliver reliable and comfortable transport solutions, be a strong partner for the ålandic hospitality industry, and invest in marketing of Åland both in Sweden and on the Finnish mainland.”

Source: Finnlines Newsroom