MSC Cruises launches new UK regional flights

MSC Cruises has launched a series of new regional UK flights to service Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports between April and September 2010. The flights have been launched to serve the growing popularity of cruising in the UK and will be operated by Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook, FlyBe and Jet2, and will coincide with Mediterranean departures from Barcelona, Venice and Mallorca.

Commenting on the new regional flights, Giulio Libutti, managing director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland said: ‘As a result of the 50% growth in sales activity between 2008 and 2009 and continued predicted year-on-year growth in the UK, MSC Cruises has expanded its service offering with a range of regional flights. These flights will ultimately open up MSC fly/cruise holidays to a wider UK audience.’


Manchester

Between 2 April and 30 October 2010, flights between Manchester and Barcelona will depart every Friday with Monarch Airlines. UK passengers opting for fly/cruises onboard MSC Fantasia will be eligible for these flights.

Between 2 May and 26 September 2010, return flights between Manchester and Venice will depart every Sunday with FlyBe. UK passengers opting for fly/cruises onboard MSC Musica will be eligible for these flights.

Between 1 May and 25 September 2010, return flights between Manchester and Mallorca will depart every Sunday with Thomas Cook. UK passengers on fly/cruises aboard MSC Lirica will be eligible for these flights.


Birmingham

Between 1 May and 9 October 2010, return flights between Birmingham and Mallorca will depart on Saturdays with Monarch Airlines. UK passengers on fly/cruises aboard MSC Lirica will be booked on these flights.


Edinburgh

Between 3 May and 13 September 2010, return flights between Edinburgh and Venice will depart on Mondays with Jet2 airlines. UK passengers on fly/cruises aboard MSC Armonia will be booked onto these flights. Sphere: Related Content

Larnaka cruise hub moves a step further to completion

Last week the Cypriot government started negotiations with the winning consortium for the development of the port of Larnaka into a major cruise hub for the Eastern Mediterranean. The €1bn project ‘should move ahead with delay’, said Communications Minister Nicos Nicolaides.

Talks are taking place with the seven-member Vouros consortium, which was awarded the project after the original result of awarding the contract to the Zenon consortium was overturned by the Cyprus Tenders Review Authority. Adding to mounting delays in realising this major project, Zenon launched an appeal, but has now stepped aside.

Vouros will design, build, finance and operate the new Larnaka cruise port under a 35-year concession before ownership reverts to the public. Over the course of the concession Cyprus will receive seven per cent of revenue, which Mr. Nicolaides said was worth more than €100m. Sphere: Related Content

Louis launches Indian cruise venture

Cyprus-based cruise line Louis is to launch a new operation in India from December, targeting the potentially lucrative subcontinent cruise market. Louis Cruises India will operate the 1,050 passenger capacity Aquamarine from the south western port of Kochi, in a joint venture with Kerala Tourism. The 1971-built vessel will operate one-day and three-day cruises from December 2009 through to May 2010, offering itineraries between Kochi and the Maldives, as well as Kochi and Sri Lanka, in addition to a one-night sailing. Sphere: Related Content

Unparalleled onboard entertainment venues, shows and activity options aboard Oasis of the Seas

When the world’s largest cruise ship, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas, enters service this December, she will introduce a unique and varied collection of entertainment and activities for all ages and interests. Highlights include West End-style shows, high diving, acrobatic exhibitions, comedy acts, theme nights and parades.

RCI is also making it easier for passengers to plan their entertainment and activities with show schedules made available for pre-booking prior to boarding at www.royalcaribbean.com. Under the Cruise Enhancements page of the RCI website, passengers can view show schedules by title, day and time and make advance reservations up to three months prior to departure for shows at venues including the Opal Theatre, Studio B ice-skating rink, Comedy Live and Aqua Theatre. Reservations made online will be recorded to each passengers’ Seapass card, which will serve as the show ‘ticket’. A traditional Box Office and a ticketing system using the in-stateroom TV will also be available for onboard reservations.

The headlining shows and entertainment offerings onboard Oasis of the Seas are as follows:

Opal Theatre

Seating 1,350, the Opal Theatre features a thrust stage and a proscenium extending into the audience to bring the action closer, and will present three different shows:

· Hairspray: The eight time Tony Award-winning musical is licensed exclusively to RCI. The 90-minute show features original costumes, sets, lighting designs, and a cast of performers, who were selected during a four city audition tour in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Hairspray will be performed four times throughout each cruise

· Come Fly with Me: This 45-minute show with interactive video, singing and dancing and aerial gymnastics will be performed four times during each cruise

· Headliner Showtime: Offered three times during each cruise, passengers will be delighted by the fabulous acts taking the stage including world-class singers, musicians, magicians and jugglers

Behind-the-scene videos of the auditions and the rehearsals of the productions can be viewed at http://www.OasisoftheSeas.com



Studio B

The Studio B ice-skating rink will present ice shows and host a variety of themed events:

· Frozen in Time: This dazzling show brings classic Hans Christian Andersen works to life, with a cast including top-rated figure skaters from around the world. This ice show will be available seven times during each cruise



AquaTheatre

As the first theatre of its kind, this oceanfront amphitheatre-style venue will seat 600 and features the largest and deepest pool at sea. AquaTheatre will host a variety of entertainment, including live music, fountain shows and cabarets and two elaborate dive shows that will take place each day and night:

· Oasis of Dreams: A cast of Olympic and champion athletes from around the world have been selected for this show, including divers, synchronised swimmers and gymnasts. The show is set to an original soundtrack and synchronised with fountain shows, lighting and special effects

· Splish Splash: Performed five times each cruise, the AquaTheatre’s cast of divers will combine poolside antics with Olympic-style diving, all to an upbeat soundtrack



Comedy Live

Located in the Entertainment Place neighbourhood, Comedy Live is one of the ‘after dark’ venues onboard Oasis of the Seas. The adult comedy club is a fun and intimate space with décor inspired by a New York subway station.

· Comedy Shows: Talented stand-up comics will perform one-hour long shows two or three times nightly



Theme Nights and Parades

With a Royal Promenade almost double the width of those found onboard Voyager and Freedom class ships, Oasis of the Seas will continue to tradition of RCI’s signature theme nights and parades:

· Disco Inferno Street Party: This disco-themed street party will take in the Royal Promenade, the Atlas Bridge, Rising Tide Bar and the mezzanine

· The Royal Promenade Parade: will transform this neighbourhood with sights and sounds inspired by popular fairy tales Sphere: Related Content

Irish Ferries launches twice daily autumn/winter fast ferry service

Irish Sea ferry operator Irish Ferries has taken the decision to continue operation of its twice daily return fast ferry service on its Dublin-Holyhead route throughout the autumn and into the New Year.

The extended fast ferry service, maintained by the 800 passenger, 200 car capacity Austal Auto-Express 86 Jonathan Swift, will operate in conjunction with the scheduled twice-daily sailings of the cruise ferry Ulysses to provide a four-times daily round trip service on the route. Sphere: Related Content

Austal completes 14 vessel Hong Kong fast ferry order

Australian fast ferry specialist Austal has completed a 14 vessel fast ferry order for a Hong Kong-based customer, following the successfully delivery of the last four vessels.

Each of the 47.5m aluminium Cotaijets have been built by Venetian Marketing Services Ltd for operation between Hong Kong and Macau, servicing the entertainment, gaming, convention and hotel facilities on The Cotai Strip.

Combing speed, comfort and outstanding interior finishes, each vessel has the capacity to carry 413 passengers at a speed of 42 knots. Currently performing more than 60 sailings each day, the vessels provide a first-class along what is now the world’s largest route in terms of passenger numbers.

Since construction began in 2007, the speed of the project has demonstrated the advantages of Austal’s newly introduced Advanced Shipbuilding (ASB) design and construction techniques. The Coati Strip vessels represent the most extensive use of these techniques to date. Sphere: Related Content

New Boulogne Hub Port starts ferry operations

The French port of Boulogne’s new Hub Port terminal has started ferry operations. Representing an initial investment of €45m, the massive development covers 20 hectares of land and the first of two new linkspans – each costing €10.5m – is now operational.

The new linkspan is unique in that it can be mechanically moved sideways along the quayside to accommodate conventional ro-ro vessels as well as fast ferries, It is planned to add a second linkspan in 2010.

The new terminal site is owned by the Region Nord-Pas-de-Calais, with Boulogne Chamber of Commerce (the Boulogne Port Authority) managing operations at the new port and responsible for ongoing development.

The first ferry to transfer to the new port from the Gare Maritime was LD Lines’ fast ferry Norman Arrow, which runs between Boulogne and Dover. Sphere: Related Content

LD Lines in major fleet shake-up

French cross-channel ferry operator LD Lines is currently involved in a major fleet/route shake up programme involving its services between the UK and France and France and Ireland. Following LD Lines announcement that it was to use its Norman Voyager full time on its new service between Cherbourg (France) and Rosslare (Republic of Ireland), quickly came the news that this wasn’t to be and that the 2008-built Norman Voyager had been chartered to rival ferry operator Celtic Link Ferries which will use the vessel on its new daily service during the week linking the south coast UK port of Portsmouth with Cherbourg, and using the vessel on the company’s existing Cherbourg-Rosslare run at weekends.

The new service between Portsmouth and Cherbourg was to have started on 29 September, but Norman Voyager sustained a mysterious hole in her hull while berthed in Rosslare and had to undertake an emergency drydocking at A&P Falmouth to rectify this problems. The new service is expected to start the week beginning 5 October.

Meanwhile, LD Lines has announced major fleet changes for 2010 including the introduction of a conventional ferry on its Dover-Boulogne service.

From early November 2009 the conventional ferry Norman Spirit will transfer from its current Portsmouth-Le Havre route to commence operations on the French operators’ Dover-Boulogne service, considerably increasing freight and tourist traffic capacity. The high speed Incat wave-piercing catamaran Norman Arrow, which began operating Dover-Boulogne in June this year, will switch to the Portsmouth-Le Havre route in 2010, starting a six month seasonal operation between Easter and September and offering a crossing time of just three hours and 15 minutes. Norman Arrow will operate alongside the year-round conventional ferry Cote d’Albatre.

Norman Spirit will operate four return sailings daily between Dover and Boulogne and is capable of carrying 1,850 passengers, 700 cars and 110 freight vehicles. The conventional ferry is being introduced on the Dover-Boulogne service because the fast ferry Norman Arrow cannot provide sufficient freight capacity.

LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: ‘We remain convinced that the freight and tourist traffic high speed ferry concept can ultimately work across the Dover Straits and we will be continuing a dialogue with the shipbuilders regarding the next generation of fast ferries, incorporating improvements that we see as vital.’ These include not only offering a fast crossing time, but also fast berthing and the loading and discharge of vehicles. Sphere: Related Content

19 October start-up for Euroferries?

New UK cross-channel fast ferry operator Euroferries says that its new Ramsgate (UK)-Boulogne (France) service, suing the Fred Olsen passenger vehicle catamaran Bonanza Express, will start on 19 October. Don’t hold your breath! Sphere: Related Content

Major Pacific Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alerts

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the region of the Samoa Islands at about 6:14 am local time today (9/29). The quake struck about 110 miles ENE of Hihifo, Tonga at a depth of about 21.7 miles.
Parts of the southern Pacific have been warned of the potential for a tsunami, including Hawaii which is under a tsunami watch.

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U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards Hold Oil Spill Response Drill

U.S. Coast Guard is participating with the Canadian coast guard, oil response organizations and federal agencies from both countries in a training exercise Tuesday (9/29) to Thursday (10/1) in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
According to this USCG statement, "[this is] an opportunity for Coast Guard personnel to interface with international partners and practice response procedures currently used throughout all of Southeast Alaska. One of the exercise objectives is to demonstrate the ability of agencies to mobilize using the Incident Command Structure from the National Incident Management System."

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Colombia/U.S. Operation Nets Historic Amount of Smuggled Cash

We've had a few posts (here, here, here) about Colombian authorities recently seizing millions of dollars in U.S. currency smuggled in shipping containers from Mexico to the Colombian port of Buenaventura. Now the U.S. DHS is touting the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the investigation, as well as the total in confiscated U.S. dollars being "the largest container bulk cash smuggling seizure in ICE, U.S. and Colombian history." The total so far is $40.5 million and "counting".
While authorities in both countries have not publicly revealed whether or not they know exactly who is trying to smuggle the money from Mexico to Colombia, it is quite obvious that the cash is tied up with narcotics trafficking.

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Turkish Port Expansion Pits Activists Against Local Businesses

Turkish daily newspaper Radikal reports that environmental activists in the popular resort town of Marmaris are opposed to a plan to enlarge the Marmaris Port so it can handle larger and more cruise ships. However, this is countered by local business owners who think the expansion will benefit the local economy.

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By Planet Data Sphere: Related Content

Celebrity Eclipse to be delivered early

The debut of Celebrity Cruises’ 2,800 passenger capacity Celebrity Eclipse will be delivered early from her German builders next year, enabling an additional three-night ‘taster’ cruise to be added to her schedule.

 Celebrity Eclipse, the first Celebrity vessel to be homeported in the UK port of Southampton for a summer season, will arrive early from Germany’s Meyer Werft in the week commencing 19 April 2010 for her launch celebrations, enabling a new three-night ‘taster’ cruise to be added to her schedule.  The new cruise will depart Southampton on 26 April 2010 and will call at Le Havre, France.

Commenting on the early arrival of Celebrity Eclipse, Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director for the UK and Ireland, RCCL said: ‘launch celebrations in July this year for Celebrity Equinox were a conscious effort to showcase our new Solstice-class of ships to as many British and Irish travel professionals as possible in the build-up to the arrival in 2010 of sistership Celebrity Eclipse dedicated to the UK and Irish market.  We are reaping the rewards of this activity and Celebrity Eclipse is the best performing ship in the Celebrity fleet. We hope that this additional taster cruise will stimulate the market

further and introduce Celebrity Cruises to the new to cruise market.’

Celebrity Eclipses’ maiden four-night voyage to Cork, Ireland will depart Southampton  as planned on 29 April 2010. 

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Seabourn takes the honours in Berlitz awards

Although Hapag Lloyd’s Europa has retained the title of ‘best cruise ship in the world’ in the latest Berlitz ‘Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships’, it’s the Yachts of Seabourn that must be the happiest operator with the results from the 25^th publication of what is known as the cruise industry’s bible – having its complete fleet of four vessels being awarded 5-star status.

New ship Seabourn Odyssey led the way with a total of 1,787 points out of a possible 2,000, voted the second best cruise ship in the world, with Seabourn Legend scoring 1,779, Seabourn Spirit 1,700 and Seabourn Pride 1,769.  Newbuilding Seabourn Sourjon, currently completing in Genoa should also joint this exclusive club in the next edition of the Guide.

It’s remarkable that Hapag Lloyd’s Europa still comes out as the world’s top ship, considering her age (built 1999) and the increasing competition from much newer ships.  However, the ship still looks almost new, thanks to the dedication of her crew and owners. There has been talk for a couple of years or so about a new Europa being ordered, but due to the currently global recession this is not likely in the short term.   

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Some cruising deals too good to be true says 2010 Berlitz Cruise Guide

If some of the cruising deals promoted over the past year seemed too good to be true, they probably were, according to Doug Ward, the author of the soon to be published 2010 edition of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

This new edition, to be published on 28 September 2009, priced £16.99) marks an extraordinary 25 years of the ‘bible’ of cruising with it’s no nonsense advice. It remains the only source of independent star-rating of virtually all ocean-going cruise ships worldwide.

Within the 2010 Guide, the cruising guru suggests that although it is a buyer’s market – an affect of the credit crunch – it is crucial to study the small print. As cruise lines have taken their cue from outfits like low cost airline Ryanair, which charges supplements for almost everything, the range of add-ons in cruising can take the glow off an apparent give-away price. A highly discounted fare may apply only to certain dates and itineraries, while passengers’ preferred cabin grades and location may not be available or they may be limited to first seating at dinner.  Nevertheless, the Guide is packed with Ward’s hugely helpful tips on how to get the best deals – which we learn aren’t necessarily available on the Internet.

The fully revised and updated 25^th anniversary edition of the Guide will include not only in depth reviews of 271 cruise ships – among them Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship to date – but also highlights of the 12 new ships to debut in 2010.  Doug Ward examines cruising’s unstoppable growth over the past 25 years, what has gone in 25 years (streamers and balloons for sail-away for example), and what’s new but not necessarily an improvement.  There’s a fresh new look at Green Cruising, with plenty advice about those concerned about travelling responsibly.

Among the many features will be a focus upon the effects of the credit crunch, what’s new for 2010, what could be improved and a look ahead to next year’s trends. It’s a warts and all guide that gets down and dirty, telling readers what the brochures don’t always cover, even touching on piracy and its prevention.

This Guide also offers a comprehensive account of the industry today for the more experienced cruiser. At a glance charts compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service – their strengths and weaknesses.  Check out the tables and charts for 10 Great Shipboard Spas, the Best Choice for Children, the Top 10 Expeditions, the 20 Largest Suites Afloat, or the 100 Most Popular Shore Excursions.

Trends Forecast & What’s New in Cruising

We learn that two-class cruising (in some cases three-class cruising) is back. While ships have grown larger, the facilities available to all have shrunk, as has the open deck space that has become a private sanctuary area.  Other trends according to Doug Ward include:

·         More multi-generational cruising aboard the large resort ships

·         An increase in single-parent cruising

·         More child-free ships for those who have matured beyond noise and games

·         Small ship cruising (for those avoiding large resort ships and crowds)

·         More themed dining venues

·         More sophisticated spas and well-being treatment options

·         More healthy eating and spa menu choices

·         An increasing variety of active adventures ashore

·         Greater demand for smoke-free ships

·         More demand for both longer cruises and short getaway cruises

·         More large resort ships charging for extras

The Winners & Losers

The hard-hitting reviews of 271 cruise ships independently exposes the best and worst scoring cruise ships, using an internationally accepted rating system devised by Doug Ward himself. Once again the top rated ship, winning the award for the world’s best cruise ship, is Hapag Lloyd’s Europa, the only vessel to receive the exclusive 5-star Plus rating, scoring the most points with 1,851 points out of a possible 2,000. Following closely behind are half a dozen 5-star Boutique-style ships: Seabourn Odyssey (1,787 points), SeaDream II and SeaDream I (with 1,788 and 1,786 points respectively), Seabourn Legend (1,779 points), Seabourn Spirit (1,770 points) and Seabourn Pride (1,769 points).

Scrapping the bottom of the barrel in the ratings are the 1-star Plus National Geographic vessels Sea Lion and Sea Bird, each with 743 points.   

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RCI announces diverse retail line-up for Oasis of the Seas

RCI’s newest ship, the giant Oasis of the Seas, will feature 13 retail stores, including an open-air shopping space that covers more than 10,000 sq ft. With many products exclusive to the ship, stores range from children and teen-favoured shops to jewellery and duty-free shops for adults.

Not only will Oasis of the Seas provide the broadest selection of boutiques and shops ever seen at sea, but several international brands will be making their cruise industry debut, including luxury leather goods retailer Coach.  Located in the Central Park neighbourhood, the coach shop will showcase designer handbags, leather goods, sunglasses and scarves.

Among the recognisable jewellery and clothing designers establishing a presence at sea for the first time are Breitling watches, Italian jewellery designer Pianegonda, Lucky Brand, Eileen Fisher, DC Apparel and Forest & Fauna, makers of 100% organic t-shirts and garments. The world’s largest cruise ship will also carry a number of brands never before seen in the RCI fleet, including jewellery from Roberto Coin, Charrio and Yvel.

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Culinary poetry aboard MSC Poesia

Europe’s leading cruise line, MSC Cruises is partnering with Italy’s renowned Buon Ricordo Association to offer passengers seven fabulous gastronomic specialities on a Mediterranean cruise aboard MSC Poesia, 17-24 October.  Each evening passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a different meal, each coming from one of the seven Buon Ricordo’s restaurants situated in Paris, France, Kanagawa, Japan, as well as in various regions of Italy. Sphere: Related Content

Trinidad & Tobago orders fleet of fast ferries from Austal

Australian fast ferry builder Austal has secured a four vessel order from Trinidad & Tobago’s National Infrastructure Development Co Ltd (NIDCO).  All four 41m craft are each designed to carry 405 passengers at a service speed of 37 knots and will operate a new water taxi service between San Fernando and Port of Spain in southwest Trinidad, reducing travel time between north and south Trinidad by almost two thirds.

Delivery of the Caribbean quartet is set for late 2010.

The new water taxi service is part of the Government of Trinidad & Tobago’s ‘Vision 2020’ strategy which aims for an efficient, integrated, multi-modal public transport system. When fully operation the water taxi service is expected to carry between 8,000 and 12,000 passengers in a normal working day and will be integrated with other public transport systems.

All four ferries will be built by Austal’s shipyards in Tasmanian and Western Australia. Passenger seating will be slit over two levels, with the main passenger deck featuring four passenger entry points, a central kiosk and dedicated baggage compartment and bike racks. The vessels will be powered by four MTU 16V2000 M72 diesel engines driving KaMeWa waterjets and will be fitted with Austal Ride Control to ensure passenger comfort.

A well as performing an important water taxi service, the ferries will also provide emergency backup for the existing inter-island service between Trinidad and Tobago. To meet this secondary function, Austal has configured all four vessels with the capability to retrofit and forward-mounted T-foil ride control system at short notice, allowing the vessels to operate in open, unprotected seas.

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Scandlines and TT join forces

Declines in cargo volume and passenger numbers have forced two German ferry operators, Rostock’s Scandlines and Lubeck’s TT-Line, to join forces a offer a joint service from the German port of Rostock to Trelleborg, Sweden, during the day.

Under the new agreement in the morning one TT-Line ferry will leave Rostock for Trelleborg, while the afternoon ferry to Trelleborg will be provided by Scandlines. However, the companies will continue to operate separate services over night.

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Interferry conference to chart course through challenging times

Solutions to the ferry industry’s latest round of political, financial and technical demands will be explored by more than 200 high-ranking delegates at next month’s Interferry conference in Istanbul, Turkey, 14-17 October. The trade association’s 34^th annual event, the first in Turkey, aims to plot a pro-active course through challenges ranging from world recession to sweeping regulatory changes.

A key session on surviving financial meltdown will feature a ferry operator’s perspective from Interferry board member Pim de Lange, North Sea Area Director, Stena Line, whose next phase of expansion in an ultra-competitive market includes delivery of the world’s two biggest ro-pax vessels.

‘The ferry business in Northern Europe has been very tough for the past decade or more,’ said Mr. de Lange. ‘We fought and lost the battle against the abolition of duty-free sales and faced the major challenge of competing with the Channel Tunnel. Low cost airlines took a big bite out of our passenger traffic and the spike in fuel prices caused havoc to our balance sheets.

‘After surviving all of that we deserved a reprieve but instead we got a global financial crisis. Despite that we remain optimistic for the future. The operators that survive this crisis should be positioned for a strong recovery when it comes.’

More of the industry’s major concerns will be addressed in a session on new safety and environmental requirements.

Johan Roos, director of sustainability at Sweden’s Stena Rederi, warns that there is no room for complacency over air emissions regulations, despite dramatic improvements in energy efficiency driven by economies of scale in ship size. A regular member of Interferry’s IMO consultative status delegation, he points out: ‘CO₂ emissions from shipping are estimated at 3.3% of global emissions compared to 1.9% from international aviation and 21.3% from road transport.

‘The benefits to society are enormous as shipping carries more than 80% of world trade. Since shipping is doing such an efficient job, it should be off the radar of the environmental regulators. Wrong. The maritime industry in general – and ship operators in particular – are under intense scrutiny by both national and international regulators. Despite obvious improvements in efficiency, we have not kept pace with the improvements that many land-based industries have experienced the past decades.’

Oskar Levander, head of conceptual design at Finland’s Wärtsilä Ship Design, suggests that ferries and ro-ro vessels compare unfavourably with other modes of shipping according to the IMO Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). He will argue that even a relatively easy 30% improvement in CO₂ emissions will not be enough, so the industry needs to develop wind, solar, waste and other renewable energy designs.

The session ends with a case study from Johan Snellman, vice president, STX Europe Cruise & Ferries, and P&O Ferries fleet director John Garner, who is overseeing the new building programme for two giant Dover-Calais ferries ordered from the Finnish shipbuilder.  They will discuss the application of revised MARPOL Annex VI requirements for NO_x, SO_x and CO₂ emissions as well as safety challenges such as SOLAS 2009, probabilistic stability calculations and Safe Return to Port regulations.

Critical new legal issues facing ferry operators will be outlined by maritime lawyer Oliver Weiss, a partner at international law firm Ince & Co, during a session on managing risk. His survey will cover UK  legislation on corporate manslaughter, obligations under the ISM Code, limitation of liability under the Athens Convention and implementation of EU Directive 2005/35 on pollution.

The session also features Fritz Stabinger, secretary general of the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), with an examination of the ‘oftentimes stormy, challenging, difficult and everything but peaceful’ relationship between shipowners and underwriters, and Ben Harris, deputy claims manager at the Shipowners P&I Club, with a review of loss prevention initiatives instigated in co-operation with members operating more than 3,000 ferries worldwide.

Various other sessions will further underline the ferry industry’s ongoing attempts to survive and prosper in challenging times.

In a forum on practical IT applications for making money, seven leading providers will explain new and emerging technologies relating to booking, ticketing and sales systems; distribution strategies; automating port processes; pricing, inventory control, marketing and contactless payment.

Urban innovations will be illustrated by case studies of a water taxi service in Istanbul, the Thames Clippers river ferry service in London, and the introduction of high speed ferries in Hong Kong powered by Solar Sailor’s hybrid diesel and electric drive system.

In addition, a review of emerging markets in the Middle East and the Black Sea will include developments in Oman, where the National Ferries Co has recently unveiled the world’s fastest diesel-powered passenger ferries – Austal built vessels capable of more than 50 knots. The session will also cover the growth of religious, labour and tourism markets on services between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Sudan and Yemen; and the vast potential for trade on the Black Sea. 

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Can $400m grant for new Quebec ferries

The Government of the Provence of Quebec, Canada, has given a grant of Can $400m to local ferry operator Societe des traversiers du Quebec (STQ) for the construction of three new vessels.

The new vessels will be used to modernise the operators existing fleet of 11 ferries serving various routes on the St. Lawrence river in eastern Canada.

STQ carries over 5m passengers and 2m vehicles annually.

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Engines installed in next generation Austal trimaran

Australian fast ferry builder Austal’s next generation 102m high speed trimaran has had its unique three-engine layout successfully installed ahead of the vessel’s launch in October.

The passenger/vehicle ferry, which is being built at Austal’s Western Australian facility and is currently available for purchase, is scheduled for completion by February 2010,

Unique to the vessel is a patented three-engine layout that combines with the trimaran’s hydrodynamic hull form to deliver fuel efficiency across a range of operating conditions. Each of the three MTU 20V 8000 M71L diesel engines produces 9,100kW at less than 1,200 rev/min, and offers the world’s highest power-to-weight ratio in their power range.

Austal’s latest trimaran ferry builds on the company’s landmark trimaran Benchijiqua Express, delivered to Spanish operator Fred Olsen SA in 2005.

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Delay in new Wightlink catamarans entering service

UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s new passenger catamarans for its Portsmouth Harbour-Ryde service are now expected to enter service on 29 September following delays in carrying out a passenger evacuation exercise to gain them their passenger certification from the UK’s MCA, 

Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II were built in the Philippines to replace the two ageing FastCats on the run.  It is believed that FastCat Shanklin and FastCat Ryde have been sold to a new UK operator who is to start a high speed passenger service across the Bristol Channel.

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Hellenic Seaways buys monohull fast ferry

Greece’s Hellenic Seaways has bought the 1998-built monohulls fast ferry Viking and will use the vessel on its Aegean services. Originally built for Sea Containers as the SuperSeaCat Two, the vessel has recently been operated by the UK’s Isle of Man Steam Packet Co on the Irish Sea service linking Douglas and Liverpool and is currently completing a charter in Portugal before joining her new Greek owners. Sphere: Related Content