Shippax Newsletter– week 45
Technological advancements onboard Tallink Grupp’s vessels reduce the negative environmental impact of ships
BALTIC QUEEN propeller blades
Tallink Grupp’s passenger ferry BALTIC QUEEN, operating on the company’s Tallinn-Stockholm route, underwent recently, in early September this year, a planned technical maintenance in Naantali, Finland, where, in addition to various works on the vessel’s hull and interior, various technological and environmentally friendly renewals and upgrades were also carried out.
As one of the major technological upgrades carried out, the vessel’s propeller blades were replaced with new and more innovatively shaped blades which enable to increase the efficiency of the ship's propulsion device in accordance with the ship's operational needs. This enables to reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption and also cut emissions at the same time. In addition, today's testing results demonstrate that it has been possible to reduce also the underwater noise generated by the ship.
Wärtsilä and Seaspan transform maritime operations with SmartDock autodocking system
SEASPAN TRANSPORTER © Seaspan
Wärtsilä ANCS has delivered to Seaspan the autonomous SmartDock capabilities to the seas. This delivery marks a significant step towards autonomous docking and undocking operations, making maritime activities safer and more efficient.
The SmartDock system developed by Wärtsilä ANCS enables Seaspan to perform autonomous docking manoeuvres even in challenging conditions, where currents reach up to two knots. With its advanced technology, SmartDock guarantees consistent, safe, and predictable docking and undocking manoeuvres every time, reducing the need for intensive interaction from the vessel’s captain.
Interferry elects four new board directors and new president
Interferry, the trade body representing the global ferry industry, has announced the election of five new board members at its annual general meeting on 7 November – held during the association’s successful 47th annual conference that has just concluded in Hobart, Tasmania.
Four directors were appointed for terms of four years: Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries; Seamus Murphy, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Ferry authority; John Napton, CEO of Condor Ferries, UK; and Malta-based Virtu Ferries director Matthew Portelli. In addition, as host of next year’s conference in Marrakesh, FRS Iberia/Maroc managing director Ronny Moriana Glindemann was confirmed as Interferry president for a one-year term.
The first of three ro-paxes for Polskie Promy launched at the Remontowa Shipyard
The ship is expected to be ready in 2025 and is the first of three to be delivered to Polskie Promy, of which two will go into Unity Line service and one for Polferries. An option for a fourth vessel also exist.
The RMDC (Remontowa Marine Design & Consulting) designed ferries will have four LNG dual-fuel engines and a battery pack, making them capable of 19 knots. They will be 195.6m long and have a capacity for 4,100 lanemetres of freight and 400 passengers.
STENA FORWARDER commenced Stena Line Irish Sea employment
This weekend the STENA FORWARDER commenced her new charter employment for Stena Line Irish Sea for service between Birkenhead and Belfast.
STENA FORWARDER is the former FRIJSENBORG, bought by Stena RoRo from Visemar Di Navigazione for USD 37 million.
RINA S.p.A. to appoint Carlo Luzzatto as CEO post close with Fondo Italiano d’Investimento
In line with the company's strategic goals, Carlo Luzzatto will take over from Ugo Salerno as CEO, who will remain in office as Executive President.
The appointment is set to be formalized by the end of 2023, coinciding with Fondo Italiano d'Investimento's acquisition of minority stake up to 33% in RINA S.p.A. This transition perfectly aligns with the joint growth objectives established with Fondo Italiano d'Investimento, reinforcing the Group's intention to make its stock market debut within the next 3-5 years.
Ugo Salerno will continue to play an integral role in the running of the company, retaining his position as Executive President.
Davie completes purchase of the assets of Helsinki Shipyard
Helsinki Shipyard
Davie announced it has finalized the acquisition of the assets of Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard Oy (HSO).
The historic transaction combines the skills, experience and capabilities of two leaders in Arctic shipbuilding and other high-value products. While the Canadian and Finnish shipyard will be separate legal and operating entities, the business headquarters will remain in Québec. The transaction will create opportunities for employees, encourage collaboration, facilitate the transfer of know-how, provide access to resources, and stimulate export potential.
P&O Ferries confirms time charter for NORBAY with Irish Ferries
P&O Ferries confirmed a time charter agreement with Irish Ferries for the vessel NORBAY for up to six months – with the potential for longer-term charter options. The crew of NORBAY will continue to be employed on the vessel during the charter.
Until now, NORBAY has been one of two ships operating on P&O Ferries’ Liverpool-Dublin route. P&O Ferries is now operating one ship on this route, which is proposed to be closed towards the end of the year due to a lack of berth availability at the port of Liverpool from 2024.
Irish Ferries will operate the ship between Dublin and Holyhead.
AS Tallink Grupp Statistics for October 2023
In October 2023 AS Tallink Grupp transported 470,702 passengers, which is a 3.6% increase compared to October 2022. The number of cargo units decreased by 17.7% to 27,137 units and the number of passenger vehicles increased by 1.5% to 63,151 units in the same comparison.
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