Interferry and IMO conclude successful Africa Ferry Safety Seminar in Dar es Salaam

By | 2024 newsletter week 16 | No Comments

A collaborative effort to elevate ferry safety standards in Africa concluded April 17th, after a two-day intensive seminar co-hosted by Interferry and the International Maritime Organization. Over 100 participants from across the African ferry industry and Interferry´s global network convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, united in the wake of recent regional tragedies.

The association fielded a delegation of 15 seasoned professionals from its worldwide operator and supplier members, whose purpose was to listen, exchange experience and share best practices on both operational and regulatory levels. Open discussions focused on critical areas impacting safety, including ticketing and passenger counting, cargo loading and stowage, vessel design and classification, insurance and financing, management culture and technical management, incident reporting, and the crucial role of political will in driving safety improvements.

European ports and Interferry agree priorities for sustainable future

By | 2022 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

A meeting between ESPO and Interferry has agreed a common work programme to promote an environmentally sustainable future for the European ferry business through the provision and use of onshore power supply (OPS).

  1. Ferries must be recognised as a sustainable passenger transport mode.
  2. Ferry ports should act as soon as possible to deploy OPS, and ferry lines should commit to using OPS whenever it is available.
  3. Investments should initially be made where it makes most sense in terms of maximising emissions reductions per installation.
  4. Both ports and ferries call for a coherent and predictable framework that provides legal certainty for stakeholders.
  5. Huge investments require funding
  6. New fuels and technologies for greening the shipping industry should be encouraged and promoted, alongside development of the relevant safety and operational standards.

EU-wide tax exemption for electricity provided to ships at berth.

Interferry: call for conference papers

By | 2022 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

Interferry has launched a call for papers addressing the ‘Power and People’ themes of its 46th annual conference taking place in Seattle, USA, this October.

Under the Power theme, presentations are invited on any sustainable, future-proof vessel powering options and the related challenges – notably the regulatory targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions of some 50% by 2030 and a ‘net zero’ scenario by 2050.

The People sessions aim to explore issues facing operators regarding staffing and succession planning, with particular attention to training and retention at a time when the maritime sector, like all industries, is facing an acute shortage of skilled labour.

Interferry GHG Data Survey Bids for Fair Application of IMO Proposals

By | 2020 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Interferry is conducting a major energy efficiency data survey among members to ensure that existing ferries can comply with short-term greenhouse gas emissions measures agreed in principle at last week’s meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee.

Subject to final approval at next June’s MEPC meeting, by 2023 existing ships must achieve new pre-defined energy efficiency values in an initial step towards the 2030 target of a 40% improvement compared with 2008 values – or lose their licence to operate.

Interferry’s survey aims to reconcile the diversity of ferry operations within sector-specific adaptations to the regulatory instrument, the Energy Efficiency Existing Ships Index (EEXI).  In this regard, one of Interferry’s main objectives is that true CO2 reductions through historic and future measures carried out by ferry operators are fully credited in the regulation.

INTERFERRY

By | 2020 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments

Interferry Welcomes Easing Of Travel Restrictions, Follow Up

In his monthly letter, CEO Mike Corrigan explains how Interferry’s efficient work generated an invitation to participate in the European Union’s (EU’s) Commissioner for Transport’s ‘Healthy Gateways project’. Well done, Interferry!

“On May 15 we issued the above titled News Release in response to increasing signals across the globe that ferry routes would soon be opening up to more than just the movement of lifeline goods and essential travel. To say that this is welcome news might be the biggest understatement in my 17+ years in the ferry industry. Throughout the world, we are pleased to see that more and more governments and health agencies are recognizing that ferries will be the preferred choice of transportation for most travelers as restrictions loosen up – given their ability to adhere to physical distancing onboard and at the terminals, as well as the many other safety measures the industry has adopted.

These measures, COVID-19 Guidance for Ferries, were developed through Interferry’s Operators Policy Committee in consultation with operator members and issued via Johan Roos’ Regulatory Report to the membership and also to European Union’s (EU’s) Commissioner for Transport (COM). Johan reports that our Guidance was very well received by the EU COM. In fact, we have been invited to participate in the EU COM’s Healthy Gateways project and to provide assistance with the development of its comprehensive COVID guidelines for European ferries.”

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

By | 2020 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

Interferry welcomes the European Commission’s guidance on the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunching of transportation links that will go into effect in advance of this summer’s travel and tourism season.  Earlier, Interferry had issued its own ‘best practice’ guidelines for the safe resumption of passenger ferry services once local authorities provided the green light.

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

By | 2019 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

Moby SPL’s PRINCESS ANASTASIA To Change To New Terminal In Helsinki

PRINCESS ANASTASIA will switch to using South Harbour in Helsinki from the start of the new cruise season 2020. On March 22, 2020, the ferry will make its first call to the Makasiini terminal.

Makasiini terminal is located much closer to the city centre which makes easier for passengers to find their way to Old Helsinki. It is only five-minute walk from the Market square and Helsinki Cathedral. The new location is also convenient for the embarking passengers, as the terminal is located within walking distance from the railway station and other ferry terminals. Tram and bus stops are located in front of the terminal.

For convenience of passengers, the terminal will be equipped with luggage storage, spacious check-in and waiting areas. MOBY SPL sales office will be opened at the terminal as well.