It’s already hot in Greece

The summer is still on the horizon but it is hot within the Greek ferry sector as final route operating licences are debated.

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Gulf Craft Shipyard delivers SEASTREAK COMMODORE

Seastreak has just received the latest addition for its New York ferry fleet, the 600-passenger high-speed ferry SEASTREAK COMMODORE from Gulf Craft Shipyard in Franklin, LA.

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VIKING JUPITER floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona

On 10 May, the sixth unit in a line of what will be 16 ocean cruise ships built by Fincantieri for Viking was floated out at the company’s shipyard in Ancona.

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Financials

Irish Continental Group, first quarter 2018 trading update

Consolidated Group revenue in the quarter was EUR 96.4 million, an increase of 1.4% compared with last year. Ferries division: Total revenues recorded in the period to 30 April amounted to EUR 52.3 million (including intra-division charter income), a 2.4% decrease on the prior year. Irish Ferries carried 100,400 cars, an increase of 2.4% on the previous year, while freight carryings were 99,500 ro-ro units, an increase of 3.9% compared with 2017.

Financially strong 2017 for Meyer Turku

Revenue for Meyer Turku Oy was EUR 807.7 million for 2017, up from the EUR 787.5 million in 2016. Net profit rose from EUR 26.2 million in 2016 to EUR 32.2 million.

Strong Q1 2018 for DFDS

Revenue increased 9%, adjusted for non-comparable items, for the quarter. Reported revenue was up 8%, ending at DKK 3.5 billion. EBITDA before special items increased 10% to DKK 453 million.

Virtu Ferries continues to improve its revenues

Turnover increased by 6% in 2017, ending at EUR 34.7 million. Full-year profit was down 44% year on year mainly because 2016 was exceptionally impacted by non-core business related revenues. Profit for 2017 is up 80% compared to 2015.

Promising first quarter 2018 results for Finnlines

Revenue EUR 134.9 million (120.9 million in 2017), an increase of 11.6%. Result before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) EUR 34.3 (28.0) million, an increase of 22.5%.

Fincantieri 2018 first quarter financial results

Revenues at 31 March, 2018 up 11%, ending at EUR 1.226 billion compared to EUR 1.104 billion the same period of 2017. EBITDA margin at 7.3% (EUR 89 million) up 22% from the 6.0% (EUR 67 million) margin of the first three months of 2017.

Port of Tallinn goes to the stock exchange

Port of Tallinn, formally named AS Tallinna Sadam, has announced plans to list about one third of the company to the Tallinn stock exchange. The present sole owner, the Estonian state, plans to sell up to 11.3 million of their shares, and another 75.4 million new shares will be issued.

Isle of Man Government to buy the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co for GBP 124 million

The Government of the Isle of Man is in the process of taking control of the ferry services operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co (IoMSPCo) away from banks and financial institutions and placing the operation of the ferry services back in the hands of the local islanders.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises orders third HANSEATIC-class expedition vessel from Norway’s VARD Group

A strong financial start to 2018 by German cruise group TUI has seen the Board of Directors give the green light for the construction of a third Hanseatic Class expedition cruise vessel for subsidiary Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at Norway’s VARD Group. The latest vessel, as yet unnamed, will be delivered in 2021 and will join sister ships HANSEATIC NATURE and HANSEATIC INSPIRATION, which are due in service in April and October 2019.

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Further fleet movements for Baleària

Spanish ferry operator Baleària continues to announce changes to its summer programme for the Southern Med. Of special interest is the fact that it will resume operating between Almeria and Nador (Morocco), with a schedule posted from 10 June until 15 September.

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Tirrenia starts freight-only MoS from Naples to Catania

Onorato Armatori is further expanding its domestic ro-ro network and will introduce Tirrenia’s 1993-built, 1,600-lanemetre HARTMUT PUSCHMANN on a new thrice weekly Naples-Catania service.

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Armas strengthens fleet with chartered HSC EXPRESS

Naviera Armas continues to expand its fleet and has confirmed to Shippax that it has chartered HSC EXPRESS which is on its way to Motril.

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SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA arrives in British Columbia after completing mid-life upgrade and conversion to LNG at Poland’s Remontowa

Canada’s BC Ferries’ 21,939gt, 1992-built ro-pax SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA arrived back in Victoria, British Columbia on 5 May following completion of her major mid-life upgrade and conversion to LNG propulsion at Remontowa Shirepair Yard in Gdansk.

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Atsalakis Shipyard launches PROTOPOROS XIV

Perama-based Atsalakis Shipyard launched PROTOPOROS XIV on 5 May. Once delivered in a few weeks’ time, the 100-metre double-ender will join domestic operator Tsokos Line.

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Introduction of REGULA on Saaremaa route sees charter of MERCANDIA VIII as backup vessel

To meet demand during the summer months, Estonian ferry operator Praamid has announced that a third ship will be introduced on the route connecting the Estonian mainland port of Virtsu with Kuivastu on Saaremaa.

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DFDS signs a long-term agreement and partnership with the Port of Ghent

DFDS has signed a long-term sub-concession agreement and partnership with the Port of Ghent’s Mercatordock concessionaire, the Belgian group Sea-Invest – a privately-owned company and one of the largest stevedores in Belgium and Africa.

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Finnlines unveils more details about the GG5G Class

As reported earlier, Finnlines and the Grimaldi Group have each ordered three giant hybrid ro-ro vessels of the Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) Class that will be built by CSC Jinling in China.

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Baleària takes delivery of ECO LUX

The ECO LUX, the second of four Aqua Class fast ferries built by Gondan, has been delivered to Baleària. These are passenger-only fast ferries, with a cruising speed of 28 knots, and have a capacity for 270 passengers inside, and a further 80 on deck.

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Dae Sun Shipbuilding launches SILVER CLOUD for Hanil Express

On 3 May, Dae Sun Shipbuilding has launched the 19,000gt SILVER CLOUD in the presence of the country’s Industry Minister.

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More rotations at Baleària

The BAHAMA MAMA, scheduled to operate the route out of Melilla to Almeria and Malaga, has been introduced between Denia with Ibiza Town and Palma de Mallorca. Current plans are that this 2009-built ro-pax ferry will operate the route until the arrival of the Austal-built high-speed catamaran CECILIA PAYNE (ex- JONATHAN SWIFT of Irish Ferries) scheduled for 1 June.

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Sustainability strategy continues to deliver for Stena Line

Stena Line has released its latest sustainability report; A Sustainable Journey, for 2017. Some of the progress involves a reduction for the company of sulphur emissions by 15%, reduced plastic consumption on board as well as a lower number of accidents among the seagoing staff.

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