Now a unique opportunity

[timo]

Seldom in history such unique opportunities appear - two almost finished very high standard ferries are up for sale.

The Scandlines-ferries Berlin and Copenhagen are not perfect however, and would they be - they would not be for sale. The problems are the following:
1. They are intended for Gedser-Rostock requiring a rather shallow draught and limited size, and were also built in a hurry to not have to comply with the new safe-return-to-port-rules. The hurry resulted in problems.
2. They are too heavy, so there are issues with stability and dead weight. Now, on a different route that is not such a disaster, but due to the port of Gedser and environmental issues this is a problem here. So increasing draught is not the solution on this route. Over there it might not be a problem.
3. Problems with the ship resulted in a bankruptcy for the shipyard, so there is among other things the small task of completing them.

Some info and pictures of the very interesting ship type.
www.ferryvolution.com/newbuilding-database/scandlines/

My guess is that you could really use them over there - though it might be that they need sponsons - I do not know. There have been reports saying the excess weight is 700 tons, so we do talk about sizeable reduction when we talk about what were originally 4200 dwt vessels.

[Mike C]

Very interesting, although it looks like the stern configuration would only be useful up North.

As well, looking at the stats - 460 vehicles - that sounds like a bit much for what we're looking for right now. I think our struggle is finding an intermediate closed-deck vessel for relief and added capacity (a proper replacement for the Queen of Tsawwassen), and I think we're good for now in the major vessel department.

[Neil]

Nov 28, 2012 12:19:14 GMT -8 timo said:

Seldom in history such unique opportunities appear - two almost finished very high standard ferries are up for sale.

The Scandlines-ferries Berlin and Copenhagen are not perfect however, and would they be - they would not be for sale. The problems are the following:
1. They are intended for Gedser-Rostock requiring a rather shallow draught and limited size, and were also built in a hurry to not have to comply with the new safe-return-to-port-rules. The hurry resulted in problems.
2. They are too heavy, so there are issues with stability and dead weight. Now, on a different route that is not such a disaster, but due to the port of Gedser and environmental issues this is a problem here. So increasing draught is not the solution on this route. Over there it might not be a problem.
3. Problems with the ship resulted in a bankruptcy for the shipyard, so there is among other things the small task of completing them.

Some info and pictures of the very interesting ship type.
www.ferryvolution.com/newbuilding-database/scandlines/

My guess is that you could really use them over there - though it might be that they need sponsons - I do not know. There have been reports saying the excess weight is 700 tons, so we do talk about sizeable reduction when we talk about what were originally 4200 dwt vessels.

BC Ferries is not in the market for ships of that type or size, and probably won't be for many years. They would also not fit any needs of our neighbors to the north or south.

[timo]

Nov 28, 2012 12:41:03 GMT -8 Neil said:

BC Ferries is not in the market for ships of that type or size, and probably won't be for many years. They would also not fit any needs of our neighbors to the north or south.

Most likely true. Then again - they are not that large - only 1600 LM and 460 European cars. Most likely they will be the headache of the bankruptcy estate for a long, long time, as right now times are very bad for investments especially in Europe. With the current exchange rates for the Euro they might be bargains for non-European operators - but then again - who needs medium sized day ferries with cruise-style interiors? They are not exactly adapted for Asian or North-American tastes - or vehicles. So - as I said, they will most likely not be sold in a long time. Also, they are too slow for many routes, with only 20,5 knots service speed.

The original owner, by the way, has started a new planning process for the newbuilds that they need. They can not use the current drawings as they do not comply with the safe-return-to-port regulations that new ships ordered now have to comply with.

[rwbsparks]

How expensive would modifying the bow and stern to call at Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen be? Cheaper than new boats? If so then these two boats could be potentially useful. Put them on Route 1 with the Spirits. Retire the New Westminster. Move the Celebration up to Horseshoe Bay to replace the Cowichan on Route 2. Then slowly cannibalize the Cowichan to keep Coquitlam running until new double-enders can be built for Route 2 and Route 30 to replace Alberni, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Oak Bay.

If the ships can’t be modified to effectively serve Route 1, forget about it, they’re way too big for the Northern Routes even if NorEx/NorAd were at replacement age.

[Mike]

Dec 26, 2020 13:08:56 GMT -8 rwbsparks said:

How expensive would modifying the bow and stern to call at Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen be? Cheaper than new boats? If so then these two boats could be potentially useful. Put them on Route 1 with the Spirits. Retire the New Westminster. Move the Celebration up to Horseshoe Bay to replace the Cowichan on Route 2. Then slowly cannibalize the Cowichan to keep Coquitlam running until new double-enders can be built for Route 2 and Route 30 to replace Alberni, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Oak Bay.

If the ships can’t be modified to effectively serve Route 1, forget about it, they’re way too big for the Northern Routes even if NorEx/NorAd were at replacement age.

Just an FYI, this thread is 8 years old. So old that the website linked in the first post doesn't even exist anymore.