SunStone signs contract for seventh Infinity Class expedition vessel

© SunStone

On 29 May Miami-based cruise ship owner SunStone Ships signed an agreement for the construction of its seventh Infinity Class expedition vessel at China Merchants Heavy Industries shipyard in Haimen, near Shanghai.

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Ritz-Carlton orders a sister vessel of AZORA

© Ritz-Carlton

Spanish Hijos de J. Barreras and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have clinched a deal to build a sister vessel of the luxury yacht-type AZORA. While AZORA is due for delivery later this year, with a February 2020 maiden cruise, this second unit will begin its service in the summer 2021.

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Rederij Doeksen’s two new LNG ro-paxes arrive in Harlingen

WILLEM DE VLAMINGH and sister WILLEM BARENTSZ arrived home © Rederij Doeksen

Frisian Islands ferry operator Rederij Doeksen’s two new 70m LNG-powered catamarans WILLEM DE VLAMINGH and WILLEM BARENTSZ arrived in the Dutch port of Harlingen on 29 May.

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First steel cutting for fifth Stena E-Flexer

Construction of AVIC Weihai Shipyard's yard number W0268 – understood to be named CÔTE D’OPALE – officially commenced on 30 May at 09:08 © AVIC Ship

On 30 May at 09:08 local time, the first steel was cut for what will become the fifth E-Flexer for Stena. Known as AVIC Weihai Shipyard’s yard number W0268, the fifth ship will be long-term bareboat chartered by DFDS for Calais-Dover service.

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Westcon to build the world’s first hydrogen ferry for Norled

© LMG Marine and Norled

The Norwegian Westcon Shipyard in Ølen has been contracted to build two ferries for Norled, one with battery propulsion and the other with hydrogen, thereby becoming the first hydrogen ferry in the world.

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Viking Line’s Chinese newbuild to be named VIKING GLORY

© Viking Line

During the spring, a public competition was held to name Viking Line’s 222.5m and 2,800-passenger capacity newbuild, currently under construction at the Chinese Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry. Over 22,000 people participated and sent in their suggestions, with some 30,000 voting for the final suggestions.

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Brittany Ferries commits to Portsmouth until at least the end of 2031

Portsmouth remains Brittany Ferries' premier port of call © Maritime Photographic

Brittany Ferries has further strengthened its ties with the UK’s second busiest ferry port, Portsmouth, by announcing a further five-year extension with the local council-owned Portsmouth International Port (PIP).

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La Méridionale declares to have bought DFDS’s LIVERPOOL SEAWAYS

Denied by DFDS: the acquisition of LIVERPOOL SEAWAYS by La Méridionale © Frank Lose

Although the news is denied by DFDS, La Méridionale has publicly declared to have bought the 2,200-lanemetre and 270-passenger ro-pax ferry LIVERPOOL SEAWAYS to be able to offer daily sailings between Marseille and Bastia and v.v. should it be selected by the Office des Transports de la Corse (OTC) to operate the public service route as of 1 October 2019.

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Press Releases

ABB launches Onboard Microgrid to help smaller vessels optimize fuel efficiency

The newly launched Onboard Microgrid is based on the principles of ABB’s award-winning power distribution system Onboard DC Grid™ with the proven ability to enable up to 20% energy efficiency in larger vessels. With the launch of the new compact-size solution, ABB makes similar efficiencies achievable for smaller, lower-power vessels operating over short distances. Onboard Microgrid can be used for vessels running on batteries, fuel cells, or as fuel cell/battery hybrids.

Reverse Osmosis plants give Wärtsilä full fresh water generator offering

The technology group Wärtsilä introduces the latest addition to its range of fresh water generators. The company now offers Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, as well as its existing line of Evaporators, thereby enabling all specifications and project requirements to be met. Having both technologies puts Wärtsilä in the unique position of being able to support customers on an impartial basis, thereby further strengthening its position as one of the marine industry’s top solution providers.

CLIA launches 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, has released the 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report. The report offers an in-depth look at the growth, demographics and trends of the top source markets in Asia.

Greener Gulf of Bothnia: WE Tech delivers state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Propulsion solution to Wasaline

WE Tech Solutions Oy (WE Tech) has been awarded the contract for delivery of an avant-garde Hybrid Electric Propulsion solution to Rauma Marine Construction Oy (RMC). The solution includes Propulsion drives, Energy Storage System (battery banks and DCDC converters), Main Propulsion Switchboards, Shore connection switchgears, Energy Management System and the Propulsion Control System. WE Tech and RMC will together bring Wasaline’s new RoPax ferry to the next level of sustainable shipping. 

Stena Line to fly the rainbow flag all over Europe

For the second year in a row, Stena Line is partnering up with EuroPride. From June 1st -16th the Company will fly the rainbow flag and promote the message “All aboard!” all over Europe in celebration of diversity.

MacGregor receives EUR 10 million orders for port equipment and RoPax ferry conversions

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received orders to provide linkspans to a customer in Scandinavia and a conversion project for two RoPax ferries operated by a Scandinavian ship-owner. The total order value is approximately EUR 10 million. The orders will be booked into Cargotec's second quarter 2019 order intake, with delivery of the MacGregor equipment between the first and third quarters of 2020.

A group of six leading Nordic industry companies has, in line with the UN sustainability goals, joined forces to solve a great societal challenge. The initiative is called Zero Emission Energy Distribution at Sea (ZEEDS).

Annually, shipping is responsible for nearly one billion tonnes of CO2 gas emissions globally, and the consortium is trying to address this by developing a new infrastructure for green fuels for ships.
The collaboration is spearheaded by Wärtsilä, a leader in smart technologies for the marine and energy markets. It further consists of Aker Solutions, a global engineering company, Equinor, a multinational energy company, DFDS, an international shipping and logistics company, Grieg Star, an international ship owning and operating company and Kvaerner, a leading engineering, procurement and construction company.

BC Ferries board members resign due to new term limits

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. announces the resignation of three board members, effective May 22, 2019, following the introduction of a newly enacted amendment to the Coastal Ferry Act that sets term limits of board members to a maximum of eight consecutive years.

DFDS, management change in logistics division

Eddie Green, EVP and Head of DFDS' Logistics Division, is moving into a new role in DFDS.