Keeping The Goods Moving: Ensuring Critical Supply During A Pandemic
Very interesting interview with Håkan Fagerström, Group Head of Cargo at Tallink, in the newsletter of Nordic Investment Bank.
“The pandemic has changed both the ways that goods are transported and the types of products that travel between countries.”
Brexit: Are Freight Exports To The EU Back To Normal?
BBC Reality Check
The government says the volume of freight exports from Great Britain to the European Union has returned to normal, in spite of the new post-Brexit barriers to trade with the EU, and restrictions related to the pandemic
Baleària Caribbean relaunched voyages to Bimini from Port Everglades on February 10.
Its sailings to Freeport, Grand Bahama began again Thursday 11.
One-day ferry services do not need to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for recreational cruise lines. Therefore, Baleària was able to transport recreational passengers from South Florida to the Caribbean for the first time since the company paused operations March 2020, nearly a full year ago.
Five years ago, representatives of the Szczecin-Świnoujście and Ystad ports and Polferries signed a letter of intent regarding two new ropax ferries and the adaptation of the port of Ystad.
Ystad is ready with its port. Two new quays were built, capable of accepting the planned LNG-powered ferries. But besides a rusty keel, there is no ship.
Marek Gróbarczyk, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, said the delay was ‘caused by the pandemic’.
The European Union is threatening to withdraw its support.
The EU, through its Executive Agency for Innovation and Networks (INEA), wants confirmation from Polferries that by the end of 2024 an LNG-powered ferry will be introduced on the Ystad – Świnoujście route. The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure claims that the task will be completed.
Last week, Piotr Redmerski, the CEO of Polferries PZB, lost his position after 15 years. His dismissal is seen by many as political.
Seaspan Ferries Will Retrofit A Hybrid Electric Ferry With Blue Whale Energy Storage System
Corvus Energy ‘Blue Whale’ is a new large-scale energy storage system (ESS)—a groundbreaking battery system designed for large ships with high zero-emission energy demand, such as cruise ships and large ferries. Its rack-free design of stacking modular blocks provides the industry’s highest volumetric battery room energy density and, consequently, maximizes a ship owner’s passenger or payload opportunities.
For its inaugural field trial, the Blue Whale battery system will be installed on board SEASPAN RELIANT, a roro ferry built in 2016 that sails near Vancouver.
Corvus Energy will perform field trials for its new large-scale Blue Whale ESS on board a Seaspan Ferries vessel starting during the summer of 2021. Blue Whale is scheduled for commercial deliveries in Spring 2022.
V.Ships Leisure To Manage ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
In March 2021, V.Ships Leisure will assume crew management for the ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, Balearia’s new LNG-powered fast ferry.
Luca Fanciulli, Managing Director for V.Ships Leisure, is looking forward to providing crewing services to the new vessel. “We are delighted to welcome ELEANOR ROOSEVELT under our wing in March. Since 2016, our crewing Team In Monaco, lead by planning manager Sabrina Simonazzi, has built an excellent relationship with Balearia, and currently provides crewing services to 11 vessels. The addition of ELEANOR ROOSEVELT will further develop the service provided by V.Ships Leisure.”
Kerkyra Seaways’ New Flagship HERMES Debut At The Port Of Corfu
On February 13, 2021, the new flagship of Kerkyra Seaways, HERMES made her debut at the port of Corfu. She is the largest and the fastest ferry of the line and by the end of the month she will be introduced on the Igoumenitsa – Corfu run.
(Japan 1997 – 700 passengers – 150 cars – 18 knots)
Photo ship: www.arxipelagos.gr
The interior has been nicely refurbished by VDN – Ippokampos.
Grimaldi Lines’ CRUISE SARDEGNA Is Entering Service On Olbia – Livorno
CRUISE SARDEGNA, former CRUISE OLYMPIA of Minoan Lines, left the Palumbo shipyards in Malta on February 16. She had been there since February 7, in order to change livery and name. The large ship will enter service on the Livorno-Olbia line on 18 February.
Grendi Took Delivery Of Chartered Ro-Ro WEDELLSBORG
Grendi Trasporti Marittimi, shipping arm of the Grendi Group, took delivery this week of the ro-ro ship WEDELLSBORG. She is chartered for 12 months in replacement of SEVERINE, which was operated since February 2020.
This vessel, together with ROSA DEI VENTI –chartered for five years–, will cover three times a week the maritime services linking the Sardinian ports of Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres with Marina di Carrara on the Italian mainland.
White Flake Ferries
Athens and the port of Piraeus have been surprised by snow. This rare event has been captured by Christos Armenistis Chatzaras.
Follow Christos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyager.shipspotting/
More ships are being added to the direct connections between Ireland and the Continent. Latest addition: MEGA EXPRESS FOUR (Corsica Ferries)
More in our Logbook.
DFDS Ends 2020 With Another Strong Freight Quarter
Q4 Results (DKK million)
-6.2% Revenue 3,761 (4,008)
-0.2% EBITDA before special items 769 (771)
12.5% EBIT before special items 289 (257)
-23.4% Profit before tax 97 (126)
Full Year Results (DKK million)
-15.8% Revenue 13,971 (16,592)
-24.8% EBITDA before special items 2,732(3,633)
-51.0% EBIT before special items 858 (1,751)
-66.0% Profit before tax 466 (1,371)
Outlook 2021
