Shippax Newsletter– week 39

MEYER WERFT receives EUR 400 million lifeline from the German government

MEYER WERFT in Papenburg is receiving extensive support to secure its economic future. The federal government and the state of Lower Saxony are jointly acquiring around 80 per cent of the shares in MEYER WERFT and investing EUR 400 million. They are also planning to provide guarantees of around EUR 1 billion to finance existing firm orders in order to stabilise the company.

STAR PRINCESS launched in Monfalcone

The launch of STAR PRINCESS, the second LNG cruise ship that Fincantieri is building for Princess Cruises, took place at the Monfalcone shipyard. With a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 gt, STAR PRINCESS is the sister ship to SUN PRINCESS, also built in Monfalcone and delivered earlier this year.

STAR PRINCESS is the second ship in Princess Cruises' Sphere class, with delivery expected in fall 2025. The new vessel will accommodate approximately 4,300 passengers and is based on a next-generation platform design.

Damen to deliver two fully electric ferries to City of Toronto

Damen has signed a contract with the City of Toronto in Canada for the delivery of two ferries. The fully electric vessels will provide a major boost to sustainability in the region. They will operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands, a major tourist destination, located in a high traffic area close to the shores of Lake Ontario.

The ferries will be 50 metres long with a maximum beam of 13 metres. One of the vessels will transport passengers and vehicles, and the other passengers and bicycles.

Handover ceremony for MITSUI OCEAN FUJI to Mitsui Ocean Cruises

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that its group company MOL Cruise, Ltd. has held a handover ceremony of the 458-guest and 32,477 gt luxury cruise ship SEABOURN ODYSSEY operated by U.S.-based Seabourn Cruise Line Limited. in Yokohama with Seabourn Cruise. In December, Seabourn Odyssey will be reborn and enter service as the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, featuring all-suite cabins.

Wallenius Lines acquires THULELAND and TUNDRALAND

Wallenius Lines has acquired the sister ships THULELAND and TUNDRALAND from Baltic Container Shipping Ltd. The acquisitions are a continued part of the company's strategy to grow through new construction of vessels and acquisition of existing vessels.

The vessels are already operated today in WALLENIUS SOL, which is owned by Wallenius Lines and Svenska Orient Linjen, with the aim of strengthening a sustainable infrastructure in the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea. The vessels currently fly the Swedish flag and are under the management of Wallenius Marine, which they will continue to be. The vessels will be long-term chartered to WALLENIUS SOL.

Attica acquires high-speed catamaran THUNDER

Attica Holdings S.A. announced the completion of the acquisition, by a subsidiary of the Group, of the ro-pax high-speed vessel THUNDER from Fast Ferries for a cash consideration of EUR 17.75 million.

THUNDER, built in 1998, was fully refurbished in 2021 and has an overall length of 86.6 metres, width of 24 metres, and carrying capacity of 1,068 passengers and 215 private vehicles.

TS Laevad offers internet connectivity with Nowhere Networks

Port of Tallinn has chosen Swedish Nowhere Networks as a strategic supplier of radio-based, land-based broadband for its subsidiary, the Estonian shipping company TS Laevad OÜ, under the brand name of Praamid.ee. Starting this autumn, TS Laevad can offer fast quality broadband to customers travelling between the Islands of Hiiumaa, Muhu and Saaremaa on its vessels LEIGER, TIIU, TÖLL and PIRET.

FRS Baltic discontinues the route between Trelleborg and Sassnitz

FRS Baltic has announced that due to high costs they will discontinue the Trelleborg-Sassnitz route with the high-speed catamaran SKÅNE JET as of Monday, 30 September 2024.

“We are experiencing significant increases in almost all operational costs, which are putting high pressure on us, especially the fuel costs. In addition, significant new costs were added, such as the CO2 taxes introduced in 2024 and pilot fees in the port of Sassnitz," explained Moritz Bruns, Managing Director of FRS Baltic, in the press release.

Wallenius' Shippax Award-winning vessel FUTURE WAY christened in Germany

Wallenius Marine's new vessel FUTURE WAY, based on the innovative Sleipner design concept, was christened in Emden, Germany on 23 September. With an advanced hydro- and aerodynamic design, FUTURE WAY contributes to reducing emissions, energy use and environmental impact, and because of this, it was awarded a Shippax Award at the 2024 Shippax Ferry Conference.

This is the first of two car carriers that will go on charter for Volkswagen between Europe and North America.

The vessel's cargo capacity is equivalent to 6,500 cars, which are loaded and unloaded efficiently through the innovative centre ramp system consisting of a long ramp serving all decks.

Repsol supplies bio-LNG to Brittany Ferries for the first time in Spain

Repsol has started supplying liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) to Brittany Ferries’ LNG-fuelled vessels SALAMANCA and SANTOÑA at the LNG-bunkering terminal in Santander (Spain). This is the first test of its kind for the two companies, consisting of the supply of three truckloads, totalling 60 tonnes of bio-LNG, and it is the first supply of its kind in Spain.

Complete makeover of Øresundslinjens AURORA

When the electric ferry, AURORA, is put into operation on 2 October after a stay in the shipyard, it is a ferry that is almost unrecognisable. The entire ferry has been given a makeover from top to bottom and has been equipped with, among other things, a completely newly renovated restaurant, where the concept is quality over quantity.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen are upsizing four car carriers on order to become the largest in the world

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced that four of the 12 Shaper Class car carriers currently on order with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) will be increased in size from a car capacity of 9,300 to approximately 11,700. The vessels will thereby become the largest PCTCs to date in the world.

The first Shaper Class vessels will start being delivered from the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery beginning late 2027.

Anders Tenfält appointed as Stena Line’s Chief Investment Officer of Stena Line portfolio companies

As of 1 November 2024, Anders Tenfält will be Stena Line’s new Chief Investment Officer of Stena Line portfolio companies and part of the group management team. Anders Tenfält joined Stena in 2015 as Investment Manager at Stena Adactum and has since 2019 been the Chief Business Controller for the Stena AB Group.

Brittany Ferries’ SAINT-MALO out on sea trials

Brittany Ferries LNG-electric hybrid vessel SAINT-MALO has taken to the water. The E-Flexer is undertaking sea trials this week in the far east, ahead of her transit to Europe in November. Portsmouth will be her home from early next year. She will link Pompey with the eponymous Corsair town from which she takes her name.

SAINT-MALO will operate on LNG at sea and on electric power when manoeuvring, as well as when alongside in port, thanks to shoreside power. Battery capacity is 11.3 MWh.

Incat 096 reaches major milestone with structural completion

A significant milestone in the construction of Incat Hull 096 has been reached, as the final passenger deck module was lifted into place, signalling the structural completion of the vessel. The successful placement of the front superstructure, the largest and most technically challenging module Incat has ever lifted, is a pivotal moment in the journey toward launching the world’s largest electric ferry.

Hull 096 remains firmly on schedule for delivery in late 2025.

Sweden's first OPS for cruise ships inaugurated in Stockholm

Ports of Stockholm has taken an important step towards more sustainable shipping by inaugurating Sweden's first onshore power connection for cruise ships. The facility allows ships to connect to electricity at berth, reducing emissions and noise levels. The new facility was officially put into operation on 17 September when TUI Cruises’ new vessel MEIN SCHIFF 7 was connected.

CLdN claim CO2 efficiency leadership

CLdN published its fleet emission data for 2023. CLdN’s weighted average fleet emissions were 39g CO2/tonne-km. CLdN claim this is 19% better than their next-best performing short sea competitor (1) and more than twice as efficient as road transport by heavy goods vehicle (2). This directly benefits all CLdN customers and the supply chains they serve by reducing the scope 3 emissions of their cargo.

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to take part in the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference, the 22nd annual onboard ferry conference organized by Shippax.

WHERE? Gotlandsbolaget's PEARL SEAWAYS (ship to be renamed)
ROUTE? Copenhagen-Oslo-Copenhagen
WHEN? 2-4 April 2025

THEME:
"Increased efficiency, standardisation and sustainability"

KEY PROGRAMME SESSIONS:
Ro-pax executive panel debates
Keynote speakers
New ships & projects
Ferry industry performance and megatrends
New technologies and inspirations
Opportunities of modular concepts on the road towards zero-emission ro-pax operations
Crewing and generation Z seafarers
Opportunities (and limits) of digitalisation for the ro-pax industry
Shipbrokers' talking table
Interferry update
Shippax Awards

BOOK EARLY, SEATS ARE LIMITED
Just as previous years, we expect to become sold out well ahead of the conference, so we strongly recommend booking early to secure a seat.

https://www.shippax.com/shippax-newsletter-week-39-2.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Shippax+Newsletter%e2%80%93+week+39&utm_term=Nyhetsbrev-version-sida

商船三井クルーズ（株）

商船三井クルーズ（株）は、2024年9月25日、Seabourn Cruise Lineと共に、Seabourn Odysseyの引渡し式を横浜で開催した。Seabourn OdysseyはMitsui Ocean Fujiに改名し、2024年12月に就航する。

Shippax Newsletter– week 38

Our latest issue of the magazine has now been sent to the printers. Subscribers will now also find it to read online.

Have a great weekend!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Expected for the 2026 season on the Ajaccio to Bastia route, the commissioning of the CAPU ROSSU is a major step forward in the deployment of Corsica Linea’s strategic plan to achieve a 40% reduction in their CO2 emissions by 2030 and get closer to "net zero" in 2040.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Tangalooma Island Resort introduce upgraded REEF CAT

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.

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.

MSC and Fincantieri celebrated three important events

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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