Shippax News Bulletin – 51
- In association with Interferry
Dear Subscriber,
We are sending you the headlines of the news added to the Shippax website during week 51.
The Shippax team will take a short break between Christmas and the New Year.
We would like to thank you for being with us in 2017 and look forward to bringing you the latest news again in 2018.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Management changes at P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries and HH Ferries Group
The end of 2017 sees changes at the top of leading European ferry operators. P&O Ferries’ Helen Deeble is stepping down as CEO, whereas Brittany Ferries’ Group Commercial Director Mike Bevens is leaving his position after Christmas. HH Ferries Group has appointed Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight as CCO.
Five people dead in Philippines ferry accident
The 286-passenger inter-island catamaran MERCRAFT 3 with 257 passengers and crew on board capsized earlier today in the Polillo Strait, killing at least five people.
DFDS closes down own ro-ro terminal in Esbjerg with immediate effect
With a single daily call and more standardised cargoes to handle, i.e. uniform trailers, DFDS has announced that it is no longer economically viable to run its own ro-ro terminal in Esbjerg, Denmark. It will be closed with immediate effect.
(UPDATED) Citigroup Global Markets Limited appointed to possibly find new investors for AS Tallink Grupp
Estonian newspaper Äripäev reports that Tallink is in takeover negotiations with an unspecified party. It is understood that a preliminary non-binding agreement has been signed. British companies Terra Firma, Arcus Infrastructure Partners and First State Investments are mentioned as potential new partners. Also Morgan Stanley may be associated with the deal. More information is supposed to be revealed on 25 or 26 January.
Fjord 1's first two of three ferries launched at Cemre Shipyard
On 9 December HUSAVIK was the first of three ferries built for Fjord1 to be launched at the Turkish Cemre Shipyard with the second ship in the series being launched on 18 December.
ML FREYJA to start sailing for Mann Lines on 27 December
The Visentini-built and Visemar-owned ML FREYJA, which has been on subcharter to SOL since her delivery in June, is due to be handed back to Mann Lines, her long-term charterers.
Jadrolinija celebrates 12 millionth passenger in 2017
On Monday 18 December, Jadrolinija celebrated its 12 millionth passenger for 2017, the year when the Croatian state-owned ferry operator celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The European Commission approves the Maltese tonnage tax scheme subject to commitments
The European Commission has conditionally approved under EU State aid rules the Maltese tonnage tax scheme for a period of 10 years. The scheme will ensure a level playing field between Maltese and other European shipping companies, and will encourage ship registration in Europe.
Stena Line awarded for their digitalisation efforts
At the CIO Gala, held on 18 December in Stockholm, Stena Line received the ‘Digital Project of the Year’ award for their efforts in adopting AI, with the aim of become fully AI assisted by 2021.
Port of Tallinn to give discounts to LNG-powered ships as from 2018
Following the path of several other ports to encourage environmentally friendly technologies and solutions, Port of Tallinn has decided to grant discounts of up to 4% on tonnage fees for ships using LNG as their primary fuel when calling at their harbours.
SILVER TIARA takes to the water
The 8,600gt SILVER TIARA was launched from the slipway of Nakai Zosen Corporation’s Setoda Shipyard on 18 December.
(UPDATED) Scandlines to be put up for sale according to Danish media
The Sunday Times reports that the investment bank Rotschild has been appointed to sell Scandlines with a valuation of around GBP 600m.
Easter 2018 routes to Ibiza
After the startling success enjoyed by Trasmediterranea in 2017 on the new line between Gandia and Sant Antoni (Ibiza), it is no surprise that they have opened their booking system for reservations at Easter between the two ports.
Baleària’s Almeria-Melilla route remains closed during the Christmas holidays
Due to continuing problems with the REGINA BALTICA, which is now in drydock in Gibraltar, Baleària advises that its sailings between Almeria and Melilla will not resume before 8 January.
Celebrity Cruises unveils ‘all-outside’ purpose-built cruise ship for the Galápagos
The keel was laid for CELEBRITY FLORA on 13 December of what is number 488 for the shipyard De Hoop.
Færgen sells VILLUM CLAUSEN to an unknown buyer
The Danish ferry operator Færgen has announced that they have sold the 86m high-speed Bornholm ferry VILLUM CLAUSEN to an unknown buyer in the Mediterranean.
Stena acquires STENA SUPERFAST VII and VIII
AS Tallink Grupp has announced that the sale has now been finalised with both ferries being handed over to their now owners on 14 December.
VARD to build LNG-powered expedition/icebreaker cruise ship for Ponant + launching of LE LAPEROUSE
French cruise company Ponant has signed a newbuilding contract with VARD, the designer and shipbuilding group that is 79.69% controlled by Fincantieri. The EUR 270m contract comes on top of the four 10,000gt Explorer-Class expedition ships that Ponant earlier ordered at VARD.
LE LAPEROUSE launched
On 18 December, the LE LAPEROUSE took to the water at the VARD yard in Tulcea, Romania. The hull will now be towed to VARD Soeviknes, Norway, for completion.
CLIA releases the 2018 Cruise Industry Outlook and Cruise Travel Trends
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released their latest 2018 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook together with a forecast of the top nine cruise travel trends for the coming year.
BC Government to launch a review of the coastal ferry service in British Columbia
A comprehensive review of the coastal ferry service in British Columbia is to be launched in January 2018 to evaluate its performance in meeting the needs of ferry users and British Columbia’s coastal communities.
Viking Ocean Cruises’ contract for the seventh and eight ship effective, option exercised for two more
Viking Ocean Cruises has made the contract effective for cruise ships number seven and eight to be delivered from Fincantieri, with the option for the ninth and tenth exercised.
Tender out for 2018 inter-Channel Island ferry service
A tender has been sent out again, giving the successful bidder the option of providing an additional service to Alderney as well with part funding available from the States of Alderney.
So far, nine companies have expressed their interest in running the service, up from the previous four. The five additional have not yet been named.
Det Norske Veritas assumes full ownership of DNV GL
Stiftelsen Det Norske Veritas (The Foundation) and Mayfair announce the sale of Mayfair’s 36.5% shares in DNV GL Group AS to DNV Holding AS. The agreement was signed on 8 December 2017.
Huanghai Shipbuilding delivers 34,000gt ro-pax ferry HARMONY YUNGANG
Huanghai Shipbuilding, a prolific builder of ro-pax ferries for the Chinese domestic market, delivered HARMONY YUNGANG to Lianyungang C-K Ferry on 14 December.
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