Havila Voyages Orders Two New Coastal Route Vessels from Tersan
Havila has decided to build the 3rd and 4th passenger vessels called HAVILA POLLUX and HAVILA POLARIS in Tersan Shipyard, where the first two passenger vessels called HAVILA CAPELLA and HAVILA CASTOR are already under construction.
The construction of the first two vessels are progressing as planned at Tersan’s new building facilities in Yalova city and they are scheduled to be launched in May.
Construction of the two vessels at the Spanish shipyard Barreras was brought to a halt due to the shipyard’s financial problems.
The passenger vessels are part of Havila’s contract with Norwegian Ministry of Transport for the operation of four vessels in Bergen – Kirkenes Coastal Route as from 2021.
Now this route is being operated by Hurtigruten. As from 1 January 2021, the route will be operated 7 days by Hurtigruten and 4 days by Havila. The return trip from Bergen to Kirkeness takes 11 days, and each day one ship leaves Bergen.
Despite the uncertainty of the situation regarding the Spanish yard Barreras, Havila Voyages has sufficient equity and loan approval to fully finance all four vessels at Tersan, says CEO of Havila Voyages Arild Myrvoll. “Barreras’s financial problems and the suspension of construction at the Spanish yard have led to challenges for Havila Voyages that will affect early operations. Two new vessels will be delivered and are scheduled to sail from January 2021. While we wait for the next two vessels, we will use replacement vessels, and provide good and safe transport and meet our customers’ expectations.”
Havila Voyages has inspected several potential replacement vessel candidates, and the company says it is in ongoing commercial dialogue with stakeholders.
Chartering ships from Hurtigruten looks unlikely, as the latter needs its ships for year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast (homeporting in Dover, Hamburg or Bergen). These voyages have been for sale for almost a year.
Even Hurtigruten’s veteran NORDSTJERNEN is on a long-term charter, reaching into 2023. During the off-Arctic season, she will serve as a hotel ship on yards where we Hurtigruten is upgrading ships.
A replacement ship needs to be strong ship and be able to maneuver in rough weather in small ports. Draft is shallow, max 5.30m. There should be a side ramp for cargo.
