Shippax News Bulletin – 24
- In association with Interferry
Dear Subscriber,
A busy week with many news.
Enjoy the reading and have a great weekend!
Unfinished hull of Genting Cruise Line’s second 208,000 gt Global-class vessel at MV Werften to be sold for scrap
Illustration of the 9500-passenger capacity Global-class vessel's © Genting Hong Kong
The half complete hull of Genting Cruise Line’s second 208,000 gt vessels building at Germany’s bankrupt MV Werften is to be sold for scrap. The vessel is currently lying at MV Werften’s Warnemünden yard.
The unnamed cruise vessel, sistership to Genting's GLOBAL DREAM, was to have entered service in 2023. GLOBAL DREAM, which was to have entered service in the Far East in late 2022, is now the focus of the insolvency administrator. The vessel is about 80 per cent completed.
DFDS in negotiations to revive Zeebrugge-Rosyth ferry service in early 2023
FINLANDIA SEAWAYS operated the Zeebrugge-Rosyth route © Peter Therkildsen
DFDS is currently in negotiations with Scottish interests to revive the Zeebrugge-Rosyth ferry service that it suddenly pulled the plug on in 2018. The Copenhagen-based ferry giant is looking to start initially a freight-only service between Belgium and Scotland in early 2023 and then move quickly forward to a ro-pax service for the summer of 2023.
Former Crystal Cruises vessels CRYSTAL SERENITY and CRYSTAL SYMPHONY sold at auction in Grand Bahama
2003-built CRYSTAL SERENITY © Christian Eckardt
Bankrupt Crystal Cruises two former vessels CRYSTAL SERENITY and CRYSTAL SYMPHONY have been sold at auction in Grand Bahama, one for a bargain price and the other for a more normal price level.
The 51,044 gt 1995-built CRYSTAL SYMPHONY was sold for only USD 25 million to a company named CSY Ltd, while the 68,870 gt 2003-built CRYSTAL SERENITY was sold for USD 103 million to a company called CSE Ltd.
Meanwhile, Crystal's 20,448 gt 2021-built CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR has been sold to Silversea Cruises. It's not known if the sale of this vessel took place during the same auction. The vessel will be renamed SILVER ENDEAVOR.
Washington State Ferries fleet expansion plans delayed as State Legislature cancels contract for five hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferries
The fourth Olympic-class ferry SUQUAMISH was delivered in July 2018 © WSF
The US’ largest ferry operator, Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet renewal programme has been delayed somewhat, after the Washington State Department for Transportation (WSDOT) cancelled its contract for the construction of five hybrid-electric Olympic-class (HEOC) double-enders at Vigor Fab LLC over a disagreement over price and other contract terms.
IOMSPC's MANXMAN launches into next stage of build
© IOMSPC
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is celebrating the completion of the dry building phase of its new vessel, MANXMAN. Despite the extreme challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, MANXMAN floated out of drydock on 14 June, exactly on schedule. The custom-built vessel was taken by tugs to an outfitting berth where the next phase of the build has commenced.
Finnlines confirms start of new Zeebrugge-Rosslare Europoort freight ro-ro service on 23 July
Finnlines has confirmed that it will start a new direct freight ro-ro service between Ireland and Continental Europe – Rosslare Europoort and Zeebrugge - on 23 July, using the 3,240 lanemetre capacity FINNPULP, which also offers a new connection from Finland to Ireland.
The 225-trailer capacity 2002-built FINNPULP will operate two sailings a week from each port.
The UK’s CMA secures offer of commitments from DFDS and P&O Ferries on its freight capacity sharing agreement between Dover and Calais
Following a probe by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the two ferry operators DFDS and P&O Ferries have offered commitments to address concerns that their freight capacity sharing agreement on the UK’s busiest ferry route – Dover to Calais – could lead to higher prices and fewer sailings.
UECC has taken delivery of its second of three Shippax Award winning LNG-powered PCTC newbuilds
The lead vessel, AUTO ADVANCE was awarded with the Shippax Ro-Ro Technology & Environment Award at this year’s Shippax Ferry Conference © UECC
AUTO ACHIEVE has been delivered from China’s Jiangnan Shipyard. It is the second in a line of three LNG-powered 3,600-CEU capacity PCTCs for UECC.
These vessels are the most advanced PCTC so far built, not only equipped with a dual fuel main engine with in-line shaft generator, but also a hybrid battery system to eliminate emissions in port or when manoeuvring using the bow thruster.
The lead designer of the UECC newbuildings, which have a length of 169m and a beam of 28m, is Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), with all vessels being built to DNV GL class.
Meyer Werft delivers DISNEY WISH – Disney Cruise Lines first Triton-class vessel and first LNG powered ship
DISNEY WISH © Disney Cruise Line
Germany’s Meyer Werft, in Papenburg, delivered the 144,000 gt cruise vessel DISNEY WISH to Disney Cruise Line, the first LNG-powered vessel in the Miami-based operator’s fleet, on 9 June.
Disney’s Triton-class can carry 4,000 passengers in 1,250 cabins and a crew of 1,555. The new 341m cruise ship has a maximum speed of 24 knots and a service speed of 22 knots.
Holland Shipyards delivers WIK - third of four hybrid passenger ferries to Germany’s SFK
WIK © Holland Shipyards Group
Germany’s tug and ferry operator Schleep-und Fahrgesellschft Kiel (SFK) has taken delivery of the third of four hybrid 33.5m x 9m passenger ferries from Holland Shipyard’s Hardinxveld-Giesendam yard – WIK. All four ferries have been designed specifically for “green” operations of Kieler Fjord.
The lead vessel in the German ferry quartet, GAARDEN, was delivered in July 2020 and after successfully entering service, SFK then confirmed its options on a further three vessels. The second vessel, FRIEDRICHSORT, entered service in February this year, with the fourth ferry, SCHILKSEE, due for delivery at the beginning of 2026.
Weymouth-Channel Islands fast ferry service could return this autumn
CONDOR LIBERATION © Kai Ortel
The return of ferry services from the UK south coast port of Weymouth to the Channel Island is once again on the cards, with trial services possibly returning this autumn.
Weymouth’s last ferry services to the Channel Islands, and St. Malo, in France, was operated by Condor Ferries, but was halted in March 2015 when the ferry operator’s new, large, high-speed passenger/vehicle catamaran CONDOR LIBERATION was found to be too big for Weymouth’s ageing ferry terminal, without a multi-million GBP investment programme, which Weymouth Town Council (WTC) and Devon County Council (DCC) both said that they couldn’t afford.
Armas-Trasmediterranea and Balearia prepare for O.P.E. 2022
Wasaline's former WASA EXPRESS continues its Balearia charter from UME © Balearia
After two years of the O.P.E. (“Crossing of the Straights) being cancelled, initially due to the Pandemic followed by a political spat between Spain and Morocco, the 2022 O.P.E. promises to be a bumper one. At least that is what Armas-Trasmediterranea and Balearia hope. A pent-up demand to travel obviously exists, but the unknown factor is what percentage will the ever-increasing flights, especially low-cost options, take of the overall market.
The short O.P.E. period, - defined as from 15 June to 15 August southbound, and from 15 July to 15 September northbound, is one of extremely high demand – some 3 million passengers, and is considered a very sensitive period, with Spain, Morocco and Algeria "authorising the summer fleets" to ensure demand can be met. It covers travel between the Spanish Peninsula and Morocco, Algeria and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
LMG Marin assigned design agent for BC Ferries new major vessels
A preliminary illustration of the vessels which do not reflect the final design © LMG Marin
BC Ferries has initiated a plan to replace the largest ferries in their fleet through their New Major Vessel (NMV) program. A total of 5 - 7 newbuilds, each of typically 2,200 lanemetres vehicle capacity, and accommodating 2,100 passengers, is foreseen.
The design work will be kicked off by June of this year and its completion is planned by early 2024, to be followed by an international newbuild tender process aimed at meeting the ultimate goal of operational ferries in service by 2029.
Christening ceremony in Barcelona for COSTA TOSCANA, Costa Cruises' new LNG-powered flagship
COSTA TOSCANA during delivery © Meyer Turku
Costa Cruises celebrates in the port of Barcelona the christening ceremony of COSTA TOSCANA, the newest Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, that leads to the discovery of “the art of living the sea”.
Echandia to supply battery system for a second emission-free high-speed catamaran
Swedish Echandia, developer of heavy-duty energy solutions for maritime electrification, has received a second order from Green City Ferries AB. Green City Ferries is expanding its waterborne public transport in Stockholm with another ambitious zero-emission Beluga24 vessel. The Beluga24 is the world’s first fully emission-free, high-speed, carbon fiber catamaran, and Echandia has been chosen to provide energy solutions for the vessels. The order is worth approximately SEK 7.5 million. Late last year, Echandia announced its first order for a fuel cell energy solution to power the first Beluga24 vessel from Green City Ferries. Now we can announce that Echandia has also been appointed to supply highly specialized battery energy storage solutions for the second vessel.
Coin ceremony was held for CARNIVAL CELEBRATION at the Meyer Turku shipyard
CARNIVAL CELEBRATION during float out in february this year © Jukka Huotari
Marking another milestone toward the completion of CARNIVAL CELEBRATION, the second of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered ships, a coin ceremony was held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The coin ceremony is a centuries-old custom in shipbuilding, symbolizing good fortune for the ship and its crew.
Production of MEIN SCHIFF 7 launched at the Meyer Turku shipyard
MEIN SCHIFF 7 is a sister ship to MEIN SCHIFF 1 and MEIN SCHIFF 2 (photo), delivered in 2018 and 2019 respectively © Meyer Turku
The traditional steel-cutting ceremony initiated the construction of the last ship in the MEIN SCHIFF series at the Turku shipyard on Tuesday 14th June. Representatives from both Meyer and the customer, German TUI Cruises, had gathered in the Meyer Turku steel panel hall for the celebration.
MENORCA LINES reinforces its commitment to the route between Menorca and Mallorca with a second high-speed vessel
FAIRWEATHER and CHENEGA were bought by Trasmapi in March last year. Here they are seen when delivered by the semi-submersible heavy lift vessel RED ZED I © Trasmapi
The new maritime route, which has been served since June 1 and to date between the ports of Alcúdia (Mallorca) and Ciutadella (Menorca), by the high-speed vessel FAIRWEATHER, with capacity for 400 passengers, 65 vehicles, and ro-ro cargo, will soon be reinforced by its sister ship CHENEGA.
Hurtigruten launches two premium journeys for 2023: the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express
© Hurtigruten
The new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries will offer an elevated addition to the existing Coastal Express product. Guests will enjoy a new iconic experience along the Norwegian coast on board a fully refurbished TROLLFJORD, and in the case of Svalbard, the world’s northernmost permanent populated area.
The Svalbard Express will launch on June 3, 2023, just one month ahead of the company’s 130-year anniversary, while the first North Cape Express will depart on September 26, 2023.
Avenir LNG Limited has started the long-term cooperation with TT-Line and organized the first delivery of LNG & BioLNG in the German Port of Lübeck
Avenir LNG Limited announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Avenir Marine Limited, has organized the first LNG & BioLNG delivery in the Port of Lübeck, Germany. On June 10th, the chilled fuel was bunkered into TT-Line’s new RoPax ferry NILS HOLGERSSON at the Scandinavian quay of the Baltic Sea port.
Norsepower receives financing from Nefco to expand the production of its cleantech solution for the shipping industry
Norsepower’s Rotor Sail will be installed on CLdN's DELPHINE later this year © HR Wallingford
Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank, has signed a loan agreement with Norsepower Oy Ltd, a Finnish clean-tech company. As the world-leading provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems, Norsepower’s Rotor Sail technology provides efficient, easy-to-use and reliable auxiliary wind propulsion for the shipping industry with installations already onboard tankers, bulkers, RoRo ships and ferries. The technology has a proven average fuel savings record of 5-25%.
Viking Line to add more departures to Tallinn over the summer – “We are looking forward to a very busy summer season”
VIKING XPRS © Jukka Huotari
During the summer months, Viking Line will again expand its capacity on the Helsinki–Tallinn route. Tourism to Estonia is up sharply this spring, and route traffic is growing in both directions. With the additional departures between June 18 and August 14, more travel options will be available particularly for families with children and passengers on shopping trips.
WESTERDAM's return to service June 12 in Seattle marks Holland America Line's completion of full fleet sailing again
WESTERDAM © Neven Jerkovic
Holland America Line's WESTERDAM returned to service Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Port of Seattle in Washington, marking the last ship in the fleet to resume operations. WESTERDAM embarked guests for seven-day Alaska Explorer cruise roundtrip from Seattle that will position it in Alaska through the end of September.
Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam converts cruise ship into AZAMARA ONWARD
AZAMARA ONWARD © Damen
The fourth ship was added to the fleet of the new cruise line operator Azamara following extensive refitting at the yard of Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam. Benefiting from equipment overhaul and conversion to cleaner fuel, AZAMARA ONWARD sailed to Monte Carlo for her naming festivity on 2 May.
The 180 meter passenger vessel was berthed alongside at the Amsterdam yard from August 2021 to get an upgrade to the standards of cruise operator Azamara, refurbishing all cabins and suites and adding spa suites and terrace rooms. Passenger shared spaces like restaurants were upgraded and a new bar was created.
Costa Group establishes decarbonization department
Costa Group announced the creation of a dedicated decarbonization department within its Carnival Maritime unit based in Hamburg.
The newly established department, which brings the Group’s scientific and technical expertise under one roof, will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for achieving the decarbonization ambitions of the Costa and AIDA fleets, by 2050. The effort will have a strong focus on research and development, energy management and data analytics to develop the roadmap that will lead to zero emission ship operations.
WinGD and Hyundai Heavy Industries collaborate on ammonia two-stroke engine development
WinGD and Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine Machinery Division (EMD) are to collaborate on delivering the first WinGD engine capable of running on ammonia, providing a vital step in shipping’s progress towards decarbonisation.
Avenir LNG Limited (N-OTC: Avenir) today announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Avenir Marine Limited (“Avenir Marine”), has entered into a three-year LNG Bunkering Supply Agreement (“SPA”) with Destination Gotland AB for the supply of up to 40,000 tons per annum of LNG as marine fuel for the vessels GOTLAND and VISBY.
Eagle LNG To Introduce Caribbean-Based Vessels to Fuel Royal Caribbean Group Ships
Eagle LNG Partners LLC announced that they partnered with the Royal Caribbean Group to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for the cruise company’s LNG ships, including the first ship debuting in 2023 — ICON OF THE SEAS, the first ship in the Icon Class for the company’s Royal Caribbean International brand. Eagle LNG will debut multiple purpose-built LNG vessels equipped for marine bunkering and gas delivery throughout the Caribbean.
Wärtsilä acquires PortLink Global to accelerate its Smart Port Ecosystem vision
Wärtsilä Voyage, part of the technology group Wärtsilä, has announced the acquisition of PortLink Global, a global port solutions company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The move will speed Wärtsilä Voyage along its path towards creating an end-to-end connected maritime ecosystem in which intelligent port logistics solutions play a nodal role.
Lhyfe, a player in renewable green hydrogen and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of offshore hydrogen production platforms.
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems acquires MV Werften
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) is to take over the shipyard location of MV Werften in Wismar. The employees were informed about this development at a meeting. With a view to the future, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems could produce submarines in Wismar during the course of 2024. The main impetus for this is an order for more submarines from the German government and the resulting investments in the upgrading of the shipyard.
DFDS: Monthly volume report: Freight Up 11%, passenger recovery on track
Ferry – freight: Total volumes in May 2022 were 10.8% above 2021 driven by higher volumes in all business units, except Baltic Sea.
Ferry – passenger: The number of passengers increased eightfold to 296k equal to 68% of volumes in May 2019, the latest comparable month pre-Covid-19.
Renovit to build 10 MW of solar farms for five Fincantieri plants
Fincantieri and Renovit, a Snam subsidiary and an associate company of CDP Equity (CDPE) that operates in the energy efficiency sector, have signed an agreement for the construction of solar farms at five Italian Fincantieri production sites, with the aim of ensuring savings on energy bills and contributing to the broader objectives of reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions.
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