With the slogan “Transport keeps us going”, ESPO, together with 33 organisations has issued a Declaration stressing the essential role transport is playing in the corona crisis.
Fuel Cell Testing Moves Forward on ARK GERMANIA
DFDS has received funding for upgrades to ARK GERMANIA to test fuel cell technologies with partners.
The Hellenic Ministry of Migration Charters SUPER JET & AQUA BLUE
Seajets’ HSC SUPER JET and AQUA BLUE have been chartered by the Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum for the transportation of refugees from the Aegean islands to mainland Greece.
Both ships will make 4 sailings:
- Lavrio – Samos – Chios – Lesvos – Kavala (Aqua Blue)
- Kastelorizo – Rhodes – Symi – Kos – Rafina (Super Jet)
- Rafina – Leros – Kalymnos – Kos – Rafina (Super Jet)
- Kea-Kavala
Τhe price of the charter –for both vessels– according to the official contract was EUR 396,800.
Stena RoRo’s new acquisition STENA NOVA is waiting to start her long journey to Europe. The large vessel is currently at Kure (Kawanjiri) anchorage with her funnel without markings, and flying the flag of Panama.
She was the former Hankyu Ferry’s YAMATO and purchased by Stena RoRo in February 2019. She will be converted somewhere in Europe. However, it seems that the spread of the Covid-19 in Europe is likely to delay her future career.
Family Portrait
The photo of the week is certainly from Estonian photographer Kaupo Kalda. He took this picture of VICTORIA I, MEGASTAR, SILJA EUROPA, BALTIC QUEEN and STAR all together in the Port of Tallinn. They operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki and Tallinn-Stockholm routes.
Thank you to all the companies and subscribers that have provided us with information regarding the impact of the virus crisis.
We have produced this overview. As things change fast, we cannot guarantee that the information is up to date. Please check the respective websites.
Balearia can no longer take passenger on their ferries. All National and International Commercial flights and ships have been banned from the Balearic Islands and passengers will not be allowed to disembark from planes or ferries.
The Moroccan government has decided to suspend its communications with Spain until further notice. Balearia is suspending passenger service departures for the Algeciras – Tangiers Med. and Almería – Nador routes until the current situation returns to normal. However, the route will continue operating for freight transport in order to ensure supply for the region.
Will allow customers to remain in their vehicles on the enclosed car deck, to help support social distancing and self-isolation.
Brittany Ferries has reshuffled its fleet and routes.
- NORMANDIE (Portsmouth – Caen) will be taken out of service until 9 April at the earliest.
- CONNEMARA (Portsmouth – Bilbao), MONT ST MICHEL (Portsmouth – Caen), CAP FINISTÈRE (UK – Spain) freight only.
- Brittany Ferries will cease its weekly rotation connecting Roscoff in France with Rosslare in Ireland. KERRY will however continue two rotations per week, carrying freight between Rosslare and Bilbao.
- ETRETAT (Portsmouth – Le Havre) has been taken out of service on 17 March. Laid up Le Havre.
- Following her dry-dock in Poland, PONT-AVEN did not return to service as planned. She’s laid up in Le Havre until at least 9 April 2020.
- Ro-Ro PELICAN, linking Bilbao with Poole will take only unaccompanied trailers.
Additional measures:
- Passengers and freight drivers will be asked to remain in their cabins. Cabins will be open to all travellers.
- Sales and catering facilities will be closed on board. Passenger movements will be restricted and meals will be taken in cabins. Customers will be informed by SMS that they will have to stay in their cabins and that the on-board shops will be closed.
- Passengers will be asked to bring their own food and drink on board. This is to protect everyone on board – including Brittany Ferries crews who are working hard to maintain services for as long as possible.
- All passengers are advised that they must travel only if it is essential to do so. Furthermore British passengers travelling to Spain are advised that they must take evidence of a permanent address in Spain, or they will be stopped after arrival by the authorities.
Brittany Ferries employs French crew. The company said it had to prepare for the non-availability of crew members because of illness or the need to take care of relatives at home.
Restricted services to the islands and reduced onboard capacity. Groix Island only accessible for inhabitants.