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May 17
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 20 | No Comments

On May 10, 2024, Anek Lines’ Prevelis resumed service on the Piraeus-Chios-Mytilene route after a complete refit at Elefsis shipyards, following a merger with Attica Group. The ship had previously served the Dodecanese line for 12 years until May 2023, then briefly chartered by Aegean Sea Lines for the Piraeus-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos-Santorini route from June 30 to August 3, 2023.

Photo: Anek Lines

On April 24, 2024, it was reported that Intershippings’ RoPax Med Star was sold to Starlines. The ship was laid up in Gibraltar for 10 months and is currently under tow to Greece.

She was sold in Greece in 2008 (Endeavor Lines) as the Princess T.

In 2013, she was chartered to Gotlandsbåten AB and renamed Västervik but plans failed.

In 2015, she had an unsuccessful presence on the Igoumenitsa-Kefalonia (Sami)-Corfu-Bari route. In August 2017 she was eventually sold to the Moroccan Inter Shipping for the Algeciras – Tanger Med route.

From 2018 to 2023 she served sporadically on the above line until her operator’s collapse. She will be probably used on the Italy-Albania service.

Photo: Matt Davies

On 14 May, Tallink Grupp’s vessel Superfast IX (currently named Atlantic Vision) was redelivered to the company at the Port of Odense in Denmark. The vessel has been chartered to Canada and operating between Newfoundland and Sydney, Nova Scotia for the last 15 years.

The vessel completed its final trip on its Canadian route on 15 March this year, and left Canada in early April.  For the last month, the vessel has been berthed in a shipyard in Denmark, where it has been prepared for the handover to Tallink Grupp ahead of the charter contract ending on 14 May 2024.

Superfast IX is expected to arrive in Tallinn on 16 May. The vessel will initially be berthed at Paljassaare port until decisions are made regarding the vessel’s next operations.

Baleària has reintroduced the “Passió per Formentera” ferry on the Ceuta-Algeciras route, enhancing comfort and eco-efficiency. The ferry now features improvements such as upgraded seating, expanded services, and greater energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and comfortable travel experience. For more details, visit Baleària’s press release.

Building upon the success of the Stena Germanica in 2015, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Stena Lines will work together on a project to retrofit two Superfast vessels with methanol propulsion.

The conversion will see the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII ferries, which operate on the Scotland to Northern Ireland route between Cairnryan and Belfast, converted to methanol dual-fuel propulsion with the vessels transferring class to LR.

As part of the project, the retrofit process will convert two out of the four main engines in each vessel to run on methanol alongside MGO (Marine Gas Oil). The ship’s bunkering, storage, fuel supply and supporting systems will also be adapted for methanol.

Source: LR

May 10
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Finnlines, in partnership with GIT Coatings, is accelerating its decarbonization efforts by adopting XGIT-FUEL, an innovative graphene-based hard foul release hull coating, across its ro-ro and ro-pax fleets. Starting with their first vessel in 2022, Finnlines has already applied this high-performance hull coating to four vessels as part of a recently signed fleet agreement, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by around 7% compared to previously used coating.

Source: Gitcoatings

On May 8, 2024, Asterion II entered the port of Piraeus fully refreshed following a period of a serious refit and upgrades at Elefsis shipyards. The ship is sporting the Anek Lines livery and expected to serve initially on the Piraeus – Heraklion route with her fleet mate Kissamos. She used to serve on the Patras – Venice line under Superfast Ferries operation. After the successful merger of Anek Lines from Attica Group it was decided to enter the domestic ferry service replacing Kriti II.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

On May 6, 2024, HSC Caldera Vista departed for Spain (Tarifa) following the decision of Africa Morocco Link (AML) to operate on the Tarifa – Tanger Ville line with two highspeed crafts. Caldera Vista was chartered from Seajets and will be followed by HSC Morocco Express 1 (ex-Highspeed 3), which undergoing a serious refit and upgrades at Perama repair zone since October 2023.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

May 03
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 newsletter week 18 | No Comments

DFDS have used their option and extended the contracts for Lysvik and Lysbris with two more years, until 31 December 2026 (with options until end 2030).

During 2023-2024 Godby has made considerable environmental and energy efficiency investments in Lysvik and Lysbris: new propeller blades, a new engine control system, ballast water treatment systems and a shore power connection. Additionally, the underwater areas have been blasted down to bare steel and coated with ultra-low friction paint.

Fast ferry Max has been sold to unknown buyers, for use in the med.

The reason for the sale must be found in Danish and European CO2 taxes, and increasing labour costs.

Max is now in the harbor in Ebeltoft, where it is kept ready for deployment on the Kattegat in case of technical challenges on one of the other ferries.

Max will be taken over by the new owners at the end of 2024.

Source: Molslinjen

RoPax Superfast III (formerly Olympic Champion) is anticipated to resume her Adriatic service by the end of May. The ferry has been undergoing extensive internal and mechanical refurbishment since December 2023 at Perama Repair Zone. Additionally, she has adopted a new Superfast livery following the successful merger agreement between Anek Lines and Attica Group. The vessel will operate on the Patras – Igoumenitsa-Ancona route alongside her fleet mates, Superfast IX and Hellenic Spirit (which will undergo a similar refit later).

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

The flagship of Anek Lines, El. Venizelos, has resumed service on the traditional Piraeus – Chania (Crete) route as of May 1, 2024, following a series of repairs and enhancements. Alongside Elyros, she will navigate this route, while Kissamos, her fleet mate, will join Kriti II on the Piraeus-Heraklion route.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Apr 26
1

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By | 2024 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Were Scotland’s new gas-powered ferries a bad choice? That is the question asked by the BBC, in a very comprehensive article.

Grendi Group has finalised the purchase of the former RoRo Wedellsborg, owned by Navco, 51% owned by Grendi Trasporti Marittimi and 49% by Finaval.

The third ship in the Grendi Group’s fleet will be called Grendi Futura.

Corsica Marina Secunda, is she the last survivor of the Rickmers series of ferries?

She was spotted in Toulon (La Seyne). A few days ago Moby Vincent was beached (ex Stena Normandica), and Sardinia Vera (ex Stena Atlantica) is awaiting her fate in the port of Vado Ligure.

Corsica Marina Secunda, is she the last survivor of the Rickmers series of ferries?

She was spotted in Toulon (La Seyne). A few days ago Moby Vincent was beached (ex Stena Normandica), and Sardinia Vera (ex Stena Atlantica) is awaiting her fate in the port of Vado Ligure.

Apr 19
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 newsletter week 16 | No Comments

After almost 16 years in Canada, ATLANTIC VISION, the former SUPERFAST IX is back in Europe. She reached Fayard, Odense, and is being prepared for future deployment. By who remains an open question.

Photo: Marine Atlantic

After almost 16 years in Canada, ATLANTIC VISION, the former SUPERFAST IX is back in Europe. She reached Fayard, Odense, and is being prepared for future deployment. By who remains an open question.

Photo: Marine Atlantic

Apr 12
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By | 2024 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

La Méridionale’s RoPax Kallisté sailed for the first time from Toulon to Corsica (Ile Rousse) on Saturday 6 April, starting a competition with Corsica Ferries.

During summer the vessel will also call at Livorno.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

It is reported that Seajets’ HSC Speedrunner Jet 2 will operate daily on the Piraeus – Milos – Chania (Crete) line from June 22 to September 22, 2024. The specific itinerary is also confirmed by Seajets’ booking system, while the trip from Piraeus to Crete will last 5 hours. HSC Speedrunner Jet 2 was built in Italy (Fincantieri) in 1997. Her carrying capacity is for 880 passengers and 140 cars, while she can ply at 36 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

The popular Greece – Cyprus line will open for the third consecutive year at the end of May.

Scandro Holding’s RoPax Daleela will depart from the port of Limassol on May 29, while her last trip from Piraeus will be on September 3, 2024.

This year, Daleela will perform only 22 round trips instead of last year’s 44. According to her operator’s data, Daleela transported 12,000 passengers and 2,500 cars in 2023 (7,412 passengers and 2,250 cars in 2022).

Photo: Dimitris Mentakis

The RoPax vessel Kalliste has arrived in Toulon on Thursday April 4th, freshly painted in its new livery. On Saturday, CMA CGM-owned La Méridionale will inaugurate the new route from Toulon to Ile Rousse in Corsica, and Livorno (Livorno only June-September).

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

DFDS reaffirms commitment to the electrification of cross-channel transport after meeting with UK Minister for Investment and Regulatory Reform, Lord Dominic Johnson. DFDS’s long-term goal is to have up to six battery-powered vessels operating on its routes on the Channel, with the first two in service by 2030.

Interesting article about Mann Lines in Port of Turku magazine:

  • Mann Lines is constructing a new RoRo vessel at the Visentini shipyard.
  • The new vessel will be longer, more efficient, and eco-friendly, running on green methanol alongside traditional fuel oil.
  • Innovative technology includes energy-saving hull coatings and air bubble systems to reduce friction.
  • Rotor sails were considered, but their practical durability is uncertain.
  • Shore-side electricity was also explored but deemed unsuitable due to short port stays and high costs.
  • The new vessel, expected in the Baltic Sea by early 2025, represents Mann Lines’ commitment to sustainability and advancement in maritime transportation.

DFDS has announced a series of public meetings in Guernsey and Jersey to gauge public views on future services. It comes after DFDS said earlier this year it was interested in bidding for ferry services in the Channel Islands.

Source: BBC

The new dual-fuel, SRTP RoPax Varsovia, designed by NAOS and built by Visentini was out on sea trials. The vessel will join the Polferries fleet at the beginning of summer.

Photo by C. Sforza and NAOS

Glen Rosa, the second of two dual-fuel vessels being built at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited, was successfully launched into the Clyde on 9 April.

Like her sister vessel Glen Sannox, Glen Rosa is being built on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to service the Arran route.

She is due to be completed by September 2025.

Source: Press release Ferguson Marine

Apr 05
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

Attica Holdings agreed to sell ferry Express Skiathos for EUR 9 million to 4naver Shipholding Ltd. The completion of the transaction is expected to take place with the delivery of the vessel to the new buyers, in the first ten days of April 2024.

From this transaction, a net profit for Attica Group of EUR 2.8 million was realized. approximately and will be included in the results of the first half of 2024.

Photo: HSW

It is reported that Fast Ferries Andros is currently being chartered from Blue Star Ferries. The RoPax is temporarily serving on the Piraeus-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos line, replacing Blue Star Paros, which is undergoing her annual refit and dry docking. The ship is chartered from April 5 to April 21.

Photo: Spyros Roussos

The RoPax vessel Kalliste has arrived in Toulon on Thursday April 4th, freshly painted in its new livery. On Saturday, CMA CGM-owned La Méridionale will inaugurate the new route from Toulon to Ile Rousse in Corsica, and Livorno (Livorno only June-September).

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

Mar 29
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

“Condor Ferries is promising passengers and companies a better deal as it announces ‘a new era’ in its 60th anniversary year serving the islands,” writes Guernsey Press.

Brittany Ferries has pledged to become more actively involved in Condor’s day-to-day operations. Christophe Mathieu, interim CEO of Condor and CEO of Brittany Ferries, emphasized this shift in approach, stating that they are committed to strengthening the long-term sea links between the island and the UK and France. Mathieu expressed openness to increasing Brittany Ferries’ shareholding in Condor if the majority owner, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, decides to sell. This signals a new era of partnership aimed at lasting indefinitely.

Barfleur (photo) did some berthing trials in Jersey on 26th of March.

Plans to build the Isles of Scilly’s two new ferries in Asia have been described as “an absolute scandal”.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group awarded the £42m contract to Piriou, a French shipbuilder, which said it would build the ferries in Vietnam.

The workers’ trade union, GMB Union, said that shipbuilders in the UK have been “hugely let down” by the ISSG’s decision.

Harland and Wolff, which owns Appledore shipyard in Devon, was shortlisted but not chosen.

Source: BBC

On March 23, 2024, in Brest, Brittany Ferries marked a significant event with the blessing and christening of the RoPax ferry Santoña. The ceremony was conducted by Christian Bernard, the Episcopal Vicar for the Diocese of Quimper et Léon. Following the blessing, the age-old tradition of christening was observed, with the ferry’s godmother, Mrs. Marie-Hélène Roué, breaking a bottle of Champagne over the vessel’s bow.

Photo: Jess Breheret

Baleària will invest 3.2 million euros in the RoPax Passió per Formentera in order to guarantee greater comfort, reliability and sustainability in the connections made by the company on the public interest line between Ceuta and Algeciras. These works, both propulsion and interior fittings, will be carried out during the ship’s docking at the Guadalquivir shipyard in Seville starting this coming Sunday, March 31, and until the end of April.

Bahama Mama ship will cover the route during her absence.

Source: Baleària (in Spanish)

Marine Atlantic’s Atlantic Vision is preparing to return to Europe after she left the fleet. Owned by a company related to Tallink Grupp, she has been reflagged to Cyprus. A crew from one of the Stena companies is onboard, but, so far, we don’t know her future.

Photo: Marine Atlantic

Since March 24, 2024, Superfast Ferries’ RoPax Ariadne is on short-term charter to Algerie Ferries for service on the long Alger-Marseille line. The Japanese-built vessel will temporarily assist El Djazair II until the return of the larger BADJI MOKHTAR III, which is currently undergoing refitting at Elefsis Shipyards (Greece) until the end of April.

Photo: Attica Group

Mar 22
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 11, 2024 newsletter week 12 | No Comments

DFDS placed an order for yet another 100 Volvo electric trucks which will almost double the number of electric trucks in its fleet.

The new electric trucks will be deployed in markets across Europe to meet the growing customer demand for e-mobility solutions, consolidating DFDS’s green ambitions and further cementing that DFDS has the largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks on the continent.

OSK-designed P&O Liberté has begun commercial sailings between Dover and Calais, carrying passenger and freight customers. She is the sister of P&O Pioneer, which entered service on the Channel crossing in June last year as the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry.

On March 14, 2024, the takeover of L’Express des Îles by the ferry operator FRS was completed. This marks a significant milestone in FRS’s expansion strategy to diversify its route offering.

Source: FRS

New Zealand – A ministerial briefing says the cancellation of KiwiRail’s mega ferries leads to the possibility the state-owned enterprise may not be best placed to provide an inter-island service in the future.

Officials will investigate how the market might respond to the hypothetical exit of KiwiRail, including whether rival operator Bluebridge could provide more capacity across Cook Strait. They will also look at whether the Government could subsidise ferry operations.

Source: NZHerald

The Supervisory Board of Polish Baltic Shipping Co. wanted to renew the positions of president and member of the company’s management board. After the interviews, it was decided to entrust these functions to Piotr Redmerski (photo) and Artur Krasiński.

This means the return of Piotr Redmerski to the management board of PŻB S.A.

Artur Krasiński makes his debut in the structure of the Kołobrzeg-based shipowner.

Source: Polferries on Linkedin

Liquid Wind, Umeå Energi and Wasaline announce the signing of a Letter of Intent for the sale and purchase of eMethanol from the eFuel facility in Umeå, Sweden.

The companies will explore opportunities to fuel the northernmost shipping line in the world, Wasaline, with eMethanol from FlagshipTHREE in Umeå.

Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, Aurora Botnia, is already equipped with dual-fuel engines and batteries. The company’s goal is to fully decarbonize their ferry operations between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden.

The trend has reversed – Swedes are once again travelling to Denmark.

Following a period marked by a weaker krona and high interest rates, ferry company Stena Line reports a positive new booking trend. During the first quarter of the year, the company noted a significant increase of 25 percent in Swedish bookings to Denmark, and all indications suggest that the recovery will continue.

Isle of Islay, the first of two vessels to serve Islay and Jura, was launched on Saturday 16 March at Cemre shipyard.

The vessel, which is one of four ferries being built at the yard, marks a significant milestone in Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited’s (CMAL) commitment to delivering new ferries to serve the Scottish islands.

Mar 15
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Naviera Armas has announced that the Lanzarote – Huelva route will cease to operate from April 19th. Instead, all operations between the Canaries and mainland Spain will now be focussed on the port of Cadiz, 100 kilometres south of Huelva.

The ferries Ciudad de Valencia, Volcán de Tinamar and Villa de Tazacorte will connect Cadiz with Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma.

Source: Gazettelife.com

Grimaldi Group’s RoPax Igoumenitsa will be renamed City of Soller when it starts to operate for Trasmed at the beginning of April  on Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca.

Amid Red Sea tensions, AB Maritime set a record by shipping 14,000 containers between Jordan and Egypt in January and February. Egypt’s Ministry of Transport hailed this achievement, marking the company’s highest shipment count since its founding in 1985.

Source: AhramOnline

Ferry fleet ABmaritime: visit the website here

Stena Line is understood to have sold the URD to Åland-based Sea Lines. She is expected to see service on the Black Sea on routes between Turkey and Romania.

On March 15, 2024, the Atlantic Vision embarked on its final sailing for Marine Atlantic, leaving Port aux Basques at 1145am for the last time. Source: Marine Atlantic.

The vessel has been on the long-term bareboat charter since November 14, 2008, servicing both Argentia and Port aux Basques routes.

The ferry, formerly Superfast IX, is owned by a subsidiary of AS Tallink Grupp, Baltic SF IX Limited.

Smyril Line sold the RoRo ships Eystnes (photo) and Hvítanes to Nordwest Ship Management. The vessels will be handed over to the new owner in April 2024.

Eystnes will be renamed Link Aurora and Hvítanes will become Link Polaris.

Stena Line has secured the charter of Bore Song for its new line Birkenhead – Dublin.

The RoRo will be joining Stena Line in mid-April, thereby releasing Stena Horizon and Stena Nordica to their home routes.

The Province of Nova Scotia, along with the federal government and Halifax Regional Municipality, announced a joint investment to build the Mill Cove Ferry Service, which will include five electric ferries, two terminals and a maintenance facility.

Source: Nova Scotia