Shippax News Bulletin – 17
Shippax News Bulletin – 17
- In association with Interferry
Quite a bit of news this week and we have done our utmost to cover as much as possible between all the conference preparations.
We are all looking very much forward seeing many of you next week.
Until then, have a great weekend
FINNECO I delivered to Finnlines
© Finnlines Plc
FINNECO I, the first of three 5,800 lanemetre ro-ro vessels in the Eco class was delivered to Finnlines from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) in China on 28 April 2022. According to the current plans FINNECO I will enter Finnlines’ Baltic Sea, North Sea and Biscay traffic in June 2022.
Ship particulars, FINNECO I–III
Ice class 1 A Super
Length, overall 238.0 m
Breadth, moulded 34.0 m
Gross tonnage 60,515
Deadweight 17,377
Lane metres 5,800
Design speed 20.7 knots
Engine output 2 x 12,780 kW
Flag Finland
Emission reduction technology
- Air lubrication
- Battery pack
- Exhaust gas abatement
- Solar panels
- Waste heat recovery
- Ballast water treatment system
Norled awarded the high-speed contract for the Bodø-Væran and Bodø-Gildeskål routes
The vessels will run on 70 percent electric operation © Brødrene Aa
Norled has been awarded the 10-year contract for the routes between Bodø-Væran, as well as Bodø and Gildeskål with a high-speed vessel concept from Brødrene Aa. The contract which starts in January 2024 also includes an option to operate the route between Bodø and Myken in the summer months.
Demanding 2021 for Color Line, but bookings return to pre-covid levels
COLOR MAGIC in Kiel © Victor Mandersson
Color Line had revenues of NOK 2.6 billion in 2021, which was in line with 2020, but significantly below the NOK 5.3 billion 2019. However, the company's operating profit increased to NOK 211 million (NOK -47 million), while profit before tax ended at NOK -591 million (NOK -1.2 billion).
The company carried a total of 1,143,480 passengers and 180,850 freight units (12-m equivalents) during the year, compared with 1,255,046 passengers and 174 068 freight units in 2020.
The booking rate is now in line with 2019, and the outlook for the current year is therefore very positive.
Höegh Autoliners signs contract for the next four Aurora class PCTCs
The 9,100 CEU Aurora PCTCs will have DNV’s ammonia and methanol ready notation © Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners have signed a contract to build an additional four new multi-fuel 9,100 CEU Aurora class PCTCs on the same terms and specifications as the first four vessels.
This will extend Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora class newbuilding program to eight vessels, all of which will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI). The Company retains its existing option for another four vessels (vessel 9-12) until end July 2023.
Tallink Grupp Q1 results
Tallink's MEGASTAR, operating on the Helsinki-Tallinn route © Kai Ortel
The group’s unaudited consolidated revenue in Q1 2022 was EUR 106.1 million, up by 97.5% compared to Q1 2021 (EUR 53.7 million). Net loss amounted to EUR -40.0 million (EUR -34.4 million). The group’s unaudited EBITDA was EUR -11.0 million (EUR -6.3 million).
The operational factors impacting results were following:
- during the quarter two shuttle vessels, three cargo vessels, three cruise ferries and three hotels were operating
- three ferries were operated in limited capacity, of which two started operations in the end of the quarter
- long-term charter of cruise ferry ROMANTIKA from late March
- planned dockings of eight vessels, totalling 98 days
- significant and rapid increase in the global fuel prices
- lifting of travel restrictions in Sweden, Finland and Estonia
- cost savings from previously implemented measures.
Viking Line Q1 results
VIKING GLORY was launched in service between Turku, Åland and Stockholm on 1 March © Viking Line
Viking Line released its Q1 results for 2022. Sales increased by 139% to EUR 58.8 million (EUR 24.6 million). Operating costs increased to EUR 63.6 million (EUR 32.4 million), which in turn led to operating income totalling at EUR -18.1 million (EUR -7.7 million).
- Other operating revenue was EUR 6.0 million (EUR 10.3 million).
- Net financial items were EUR -2.2 million (EUR -1.3 million).
- Income before taxes amounted to EUR -20.3 million (EUR -8.9 million).
- Income after taxes totalled EUR -16.2 million (EUR -7.2 million).
The total number of passengers on the Group’s vessels during the report period was 521,537 (170,362). The Group had a total market share in its service area of approximately 32.0% (28.1%).
The Group’s cargo volume was 29,033 cargo units (31,755). The Group’s share of the cargo market was approximately 14.5% (17.0%). The market share for passenger cars was approximately 25.2% (29.6%).
Newly formed Global Auto Carriers to order up to eight new 7,000 CEU capacity vessels in China
In January, Gram Car Carriers signed a sale and leaseback agreement with CSSC Shipping for the 6,700 CEU VIKING ADVENTURE (photo) and VIKING BRAVERY © JJ. Jager
Oslo-based Gram Car Carriers ASA (GCC) announced the establishing of Global Auto Carriers (GAC) for the purpose to order up to eight next generation, multifuel 7,000 CEU capacity PCTCs at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).
There will initially be four ordered with options for another 2+2 vessels, all from the same shipyard.
GAC will be owned by F. Laeisz GmbH, AL Maritime Holding Pte Ltd, AS Clipper and a subsidiary of Surfside Holding AS, while their commercial management will be undertaken by Gram Car Carriers Management and technical management buy F. Laeisz GmbH.
Tallink's SEA WIND sold to Rudniki Shipping Ltd
SEA WIND © Frank Lose
Tallinn Swedish Line Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AS Tallink Grupp, has concluded an agreement with Rudniki Shipping Ltd for the sale of the 1972-built and 1,200 lanemetre SEA WIND. The vessel was delivered on 26 April and will discontinue operations on the Baltic Sea.
SEA WIND operated the Muuga-Vuosaari cargo route, which will now be operated by REGAL STAR, which until now have operated on the Paldiski-Kapellskär cargo route alongside the SAILOR.
Italy’s Liberty Lines orders nine + nine fast ferries at Spain’s Armon Shipyard
© Liberty Lines
In a major fleet upgrade and expansion programme, Italian fast ferry operator Liberty Lines has ordered nine hybrid electric high speed ferries from northern Spain shipbuilder Armon Shipyard, with an option on a further nine vessels. The nine vessels in the firm order will be delivered between 2023 and 2026, with the nine options, if confirmed, due for delivery between 2027-2030.
Sicily-based Liberty’s new fast ferries have been designed by Australia’s Incat Crowther, but details on the fast ferries size and capacities have yet to be revealed.
However, what is known is that the new dual-fuel vessels will each be powered by twin Rolls-Royce MTU Series 4000 high-speed diesels, producing a cruising speed of 30 knots.
Scandlines improved performance in a challenging market in 2021
Scandlines' COPENHAGEN had rotor sail installed in 2020. Sistership BERLIN will follow shortly © Christian Costa
Scandlines improved its financial performance in 2021 compared to the year before. The company’s two ferry routes generated revenues of EUR 260 million (2020: EUR 216 million), while strict cost control measures and swift adjustment of staffing saw EBITDA ending at EUR 133 million (2020: EUR 84 million).
Full-year traffic figures increased by double digits across all categories compared to 2020, but volumes remained significantly lower compared to 2019 except for the freight business, which continued to deliver consistent growth throughout the year, ensuring the strongest performance ever.
FRS Elbfähre updates its Green Ferries concept for zero emission cross-Elbe ferry service
Cross-Elbe ferry operator FRS Elbfähre Glückstadt Wischhafen GmbH (FRS Elbefähre has revised its innovative Green Ferries concept initiative in a bid to get local politicians in up-coming State elections in October this year to back its plans, as opposed a new road tunnel under the river for the main A20 road.
FRS Elbfähre’s Green Ferry project, known as the Lighthouse Project, if approved, will take place in three phases, and will see the construction of six new battery-powered double-ender ferries, major upgrades to the terminals at Glückstad (Schleswig-Holstein) and Wischhafen (Lower Saxony), which will increase capacity on the route by 600%, reducing crossing times to 14 minutes with a no waiting service, all with zero emission technology, and investing in a new solar-powered shore-side system.
Grimaldi deploys IGOUMENITSA on the daily service between southern Italy and Greece
IGOUMENITSA is the former FINNCLIPPER for Finnlines © Grimaldi Lines
The Grimaldi Group will deploy the vessel IGOUMENITSA on the daily ro-pax line Brindisi-Igoumenitsa. The ship is already in the Greek port, ready to sail this evening towards the Italian shore of the Adriatic. IGOUMENITSA will replace the ship FLORENCIA, temporarily deployed on the line, improving the service offered to the Group's customers in terms of both transport capacity and comfort on board.
Milestone at Ferguson Marine for Hull 802 as resources ramp-up
Hull 802's bow fitted © Ferguson Marine
Ferguson Marine has announced the completion of a major milestone in the build of one of the dual fuel ferries currently under construction.
Hull 802, as the vessel is currently known, was fitted with its large bow unit which, at 100 tonnes, is the largest single unit added to the ferry’s steel hull.
Auckland to introduce the first two fully electric fast ferries to its fleet
Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division will provide the electric drivetrain systems that will power Auckland’s first two fully electric fast passenger ferries. The project will be the first to be delivered as part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with marine technology firm EV Maritime, which will see the two companies partner to electrify fully electric fast ferry fleets in cities worldwide.
ABB to power two new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessels with Azipod® electric propulsion
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has ordered two dual fuel LNG powered 46,750 gt cruise vessels © Ritz-Carlton
ABB has secured an order with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to supply the electric propulsion systems and remote support for the luxury cruise operator’s two forthcoming mega-yachts. The ships are the second and third in a series that began with Ritz-Carlton EVRIMA, to start operations later this year, also featuring ABB technologies on board.
With a capacity of 456 passengers, the two yachts will be larger than the 298-passenger EVRIMA while maintaining the exclusivity and personalized service that differentiate Ritz-Carlton. Both vessels will be built by the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with the first due for delivery in 2024 and the second in 2025.
Ship design concept from Ulstein could solve the zero emission challenge
ULSTEIN THOR and ULSTEIN SIF with an autonomous surface vehicle underway © ULSTEIN
Ulstein has launched a vessel concept capable of making the vision of zero emission cruise operations a reality. Named ULSTEIN THOR, the 149m 3R (Replenishment, Research and Rescue) design will feature a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) to generate vast amounts of clean, safe electricity. This enables the vessel to operate as a mobile power/charging station for a new breed of battery driven cruise ships.
Ulstein believes the concept, hereafter referred to as ‘Thor’, may be the missing piece of the zero emissions puzzle for a broad range of maritime and ocean industry applications. To demonstrate its feasibility, Ulstein has also developed the ULSTEIN SIF concept, a 100m long, 160 POB capacity, zero emission expedition cruise ship. This Ice Class 1C vessel will run on next generation batteries, utilising ‘Thor’ to recharge while at sea.
Orcan Energy launches particularly powerful marine waste heat solution for more sustainability in shipping
Waste heat company Orcan Energy is now launching a new, particularly powerful solution for utilizing waste heat on board ships: the efficiency PACK M 150.200. Included in the new product are Orcan`s innovative ORC modules, specially designed for the marine market, which are now able to convert any waste heat from ships even more efficiently directly into electrical energy, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For ship operators, this means an improvement in the EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) value, the EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) value and the CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator). This makes the efficiency PACK M 150.200 an effective and cost-saving tool for meeting the new sustainability requirements in shipping.
Emerging ammonia bunkering network set to fuel carbon-neutral ambitions
Yara is part of a consortium that is developing a first ammonia bunkering terminal in Norway.© Azane Fuel Solutions
A global bunkering network for ammonia is being brought to fruition by Yara as newbuild orders for multi-fuel vessels by the likes of Höegh Autoliners are set to increase uptake of the carbon-neutral fuel.
Yara, which has traditionally produced ammonia for its core business of fertiliser production, has set up its Clean Ammonia unit that is working together with industry players including class society DNV, shipowners and engine manufacturers to boost the availability of ammonia as a shipping fuel.
Virgin Voyages names fourth ship BRILLIANT LADY
© Virgin Voyages
With three ships in the water by the end of the summer, Virgin Voyages— along with SCARLET, VALIANT, and RESILIENT LADY — welcome their fourth lady ship to the Virgin Voyages fleet, BRILLIANT LADY.
Lysekil in Sweden becomes a new partner in the Cruise Baltic network
Lysekil © Glenn “Glicko” Andersson
Cruise Baltic announced Lysekil in Sweden as their latest partner to join the cruise network. The new partner brings the number of cruise ports and destinations up to a total of 32.
The Port of Gothenburg is ready for methanol bunkering ship-to-ship
The Port of Gothenburg is aiming to become the primary bunkering hub for renewable methanol in Northern Europe © Gothenburg Port Authority
The Gothenburg Port Authority is today publishing general methanol operating regulations for ship-to-ship bunkering. The port is also making arrangements to setup a value chain with the ambition to become the primary bunkering hub for renewable methanol in Northern Europe.
By 2030 the Port of Gothenburg have set out the ambitious target to reduce shipping emissions by 70% within the port area.
Survitec Seahaven lifeboat completes LR type approval testing
Survitec’s Seahaven, the world’s largest inflatable lifeboat, has completed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) A.520 physical tests as required by classification society Lloyd’s Register and will officially launch to the cruise industry.
The 1,060-capacity inflatable lifeboat solution for cruise vessels successfully completed the stringent tests, including ship sinking scenarios and a timed evacuation, which was achieved in less than 22 minutes. Under International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) rules, evacuation should not exceed 30 minutes.
Onshore power milestone reached at Port of Kapellskär
Actemium onshore power supply for Port of Kapellskär
A milestone has been reached at Port of Kapellskär for connection of Finnlines services to onshore power. In 2023, Finnlines will introduce two brand new Superstar-class vessels on the Kapellskär-Långnäs-Naantali route. These vessels will connect to onshore power at the quay and will also use automooring, resulting in reduced emissions when vessels are in port.
Who will you meet at the 2022 Shippax Ferry Conference next week?
Please find below the full list of 220 companies and organizations registered as of 27 April.
Wärtsilä builds major plant for the production of REEFUEL, climate-neutral Bio-LNG
The technology group Wärtsilä will supply equipment for the world’s second-largest plant capable of liquefying bio-methane and synthetic methane from renewable energy sources to produce carbon-neutral transportation fuel. When operational it will have a capacity of approximately 63,000 tons Bio-LNG per year. The contract was placed in March 2022 by the German energy company REEFUELERY GmbH – a joint venture of Erdgas Südwest GmbH and avanca, a company focused on sustainable energy and logistics solutions.
Free electric shuttle buses between Ocean Quay and the metro for cruise guests in Copenhagen
This year, it will be even easier for cruise guests to choose a more sustainable way of exploring the city of Copenhagen. In 2022, CMP will offer free shuttle buses on all turnaround days. The shuttle bus will be powered by electricity and will run between the three cruise terminals at Ocean Quay and the metro station Orientkaj.
Carnival Corporation & plc Announces Executive Changes Effective Aug. 1
Carnival Corporation & plc announced that effective August 1st, Arnold Donald, currently President and Chief Executive Officer, is being appointed Vice Chair and member of the Boards of Directors. Josh Weinstein (age 48), currently Chief Operations Officer for the company, will assume the role of President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Fjord1 completes refinancing of debt
Fjord1 AS, announced 22 April 2022 that it has completed a debt refinancing of its existing loan facilities. The debt refinancing from private investors amounts to approximately NOK 6,5 billion. Proceeds will inter alia be used to repay the Company’s existing loan facilities, including the outstanding bond loan. In connection with the completion of the refinancing, Fjord1 expects to launch a buyback offer to its existing bondholders.
One team, one brand, one CLdN.
All CLdN companies (CLdN RoRo/CLdN Cargo/C.Ro Ports) will use the common brand name “CLdN” as of 25 April 2022.
Launch of new large bore Wärtsilä engine accelerates the journey towards decarbonised operations
The technology group Wärtsilä announces the launch of the latest addition to its multi-fuel engine portfolio. The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine is designed with a focus on efficiency, environmental performance, and fuel flexibility signalling a new era of medium-speed marine engines. In gas fuel mode, the engine has the highest efficiency thus far achieved in the medium-speed engine market.
Carsten Haake leaves Lloyd Werft
Carsten Haake, who has served as Managing Director at various companies of the Lloyd Werft Group since 2003 and played a key role in shaping the companies, has left Lloyd Investitions- und Verwaltungs GmbH as Managing Director by mutual agreement with effect from April 19, 2022. Since 2018, he was also a director of MV Werften Holdings Ltd. and thus always associated with Lloyd Werft as a representative of the former shareholder. Carsten Haake will take on new professional responsibilities in Bremerhaven. He will continue to support Lloyd Werft in an advisory capacity.
Wärtsilä takes situational awareness to a new level with launch of its S.P.E.C.S camera system
Wärtsilä announced the launch of its Smart Panoramic Edge Camera System (S.P.E.C.S). Designed to significantly enhance marine safety, it’s a system that provides 360 degree situational awareness, streamed directly to the bridge in real-time.
YSA brings greater accountability and efficiency to cruise ship design
Powerful modelling software from the forefront of land-based architecture can help cruise ship owners to provide better accountability of the steps they are taking to enhance sustainability, material selection and inclusiveness in guest services, according to YSA Design. The Oslo-based interiors and exteriors design specialist is breaking new ground in using the Revit data-based tools and Building Information Modelling (BIM) driving digital transformation in architecture ashore for the initial stages of ship design. The techniques will help owners meet new and broadening social responsibilities on the environment and accessibility, while also benefiting ROI, says YSA.
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