BC Ferries moves forward with its New Major Vessels (NMV) project

New Major Vessel illustration

BC Ferries is taking a major step forward in its New Major Vessels (NMV) project, marking a critical milestone in the company’s largest capital investment ever. BC Ferries is now continuing the procurement process for the first five of seven new vessels needed for its busiest routes, with the remaining two new vessels to be built in a later phase. Pre-qualified shipyards will now participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, with contracts expected to be awarded in Spring 2025, subject to approval from the Ferry Commissioner.

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Africa Morocco Link launches new Tanger Med-Algeciras ro-ro service

KAUNAS © Marc Ottini

Africa Morocco Link announced the launch of a new ro-ro service, offering a daily service between Tanger Med, Morocco, and Algeciras, Spain. The service started on 16 September and deploys the KAUNAS, chartered from Ukrferry.

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Steel cut ceremony held for E-Flexer CAPU ROSSU

A steel cut ceremony was held at the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai for CAPU ROSSU, the LNG E-Flexer bound for Corsica Linea. CAPU ROSSU will be the company’s second LNG vessel, following the Visentini-built A GALEOTTA.

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Nearly USD 300 million in grants to modernize America’s ferry systems

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced grants totalling nearly USD 300 million from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand and modernize the nation's ferry systems. Each year, 56 million trips are made on ferries in communities across America.

Projects were selected for funding based on criteria in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. FTA received 43 eligible project proposals totaling USD 638.7 million in requests.

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Tallink Duty Free ranked among the TOP20 largest travel retailers in the world

MYSTAR Traveller Superstore © Tõnu Tunnel

The recently published Moodie Davitt Report 2023 ranks Tallink Duty Free in the world’s top 20 travel retail operators. Based on estimated 2023 travel retail sales turnover, the ranking lends the company to a 20th position in the world. Notably, Tallink Duty Free is the only shipping company who has made it to the TOP20 ranking, as well as the only retailer operating within Europe.

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The Grimaldi Group completes the acquisition of a majority stake in the Port of Heraklion

The Grimaldi Group completed the acquisition of 67% of the capital of Heraklion Port Authority S.A. (HPA S.A.) through Holding of Heraklion Port S.A., a consortium formed by the group’s companies Grimaldi Euromed S.p.A. and Minoan Lines S.A., against a fee of EUR 80 million.

The port of Heraklion enters a new era of growth with Grimaldi. HPA S.A. acquires a strong shareholder, and HRADF, which retains 33% of the share capital of the Authority, has now a strategic partner.

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Baleària increases passenger traffic by 10% in the Strait Crossing Operation

Baleària has increased passenger and vehicle traffic between the Peninsula and North Africa by 10% during Operation Crossing the Straits compared to the same period last year. From 15 June to 15 September, Baleària transported more than 1,400,000 passengers and 360,000 vehicles on its nine lines involved in the campaign.

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Bureau Veritas AIP for PONANT’s wind-assisted Swap2Zero concept

Ponant Swap2Zero project. Ayro Oceanwings to the left, Solid Sail to the right © Stirling Design International

Bureau Veritas has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to PONANT for its new twin-screw sailing passenger vessel concept, Swap2Zero. The vessel concept, measuring 186.2 metres in length, is designed for transoceanic voyages and is equipped with a combination of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and low-carbon fuels.

Key features of the Swap2Zero project include the ability to achieve up to 50% wind-assisted propulsion and provide up to one month of operational autonomy. It can operate for 15 days without wind at a speed of 10 knots, or up to 30 days with 50% wind assistance. 

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Tangalooma Island Resort introduce upgraded REEF CAT

REEF CAT © Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma Island Resort announced the addition of REEF CAT to its fleet. This iconic vessel, which once held the world record for pulling 100 water skiers simultaneously in the 1980s, has been revitalised to provide top-notch services to guests traveling to the resort and embarking on unforgettable whale watching adventures.

Having previously served as a passenger ferry in North Queensland, REEF CAT was acquired by Tangalooma in 2020. The resort has since invested AUD 4.5 million over two years to upgrade the vessel.

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European shipowners and fuel producers join forces and launch Clean Maritime Fuels Platform

Access to clean maritime fuels is a top priority for the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. The recently published Draghi report on the Future of European Competitiveness identifies shipping as one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise, requiring around 40 billion in annual investments between 2031 and 2050. The report highlights that, while the EU is a world leader in sustainable renewable and low-carbon fuels for the decarbonisation of transport, it has limited installed capacity and planned production. The EU needs to start building a supply chain for clean fuels, or the costs of meeting its targets will be significant.

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MSC and Fincantieri celebrated three important events

EXPLORA II © Fincantieri

The MSC Group and Fincantieri celebrated three significant events in Genoa related to the Explora Journeys fleet, the luxury lifestyle brand recently launched by the MSC Group: the delivery of EXPLORA II, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA III, and the steel cutting for EXPLORA IV.

The event celebrated three key moments in maritime tradition and, above all, in the construction of the Explora Journeys fleet, which currently includes six ships, with the first delivered in July 2023. All vessels are built in Italy by Fincantieri, with a total MSC investment exceeding EUR 3.5 billion, of which around EUR 500 million was allocated for EXPLORA II.

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