D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 10, 2011 18:55:14 GMT -8
www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/09/10/tanzania-ferry-sinks.html More than 180 dead as Tanzania ferry sinks Overcrowded vessel capsizes in heavy currents off ZanzibarAn overcrowded ship carrying more than 600 people sank in deep sea near one of Tanzania's top tourist destinations on Saturday, leaving at least 189 people dead and 572 rescued so far. Many others are missing, and most of those are children. A survivor, Khamis Mohamed, said the ferry was carrying hundreds more than its official capacity of 600. Throughout the day, police waded through the clear waters to shore, carrying bodies on stretchers, wrapped in brightly colored cloth and blankets. The smallest bundles —the children — they carried in their arms. Tourists on the popular island helped survivors and local charities provided blankets and tea. The ferry, the MV Spice Islanders, was heavily overloaded and some potential passengers had refused to board when it was leaving the mainland port of Dar es Salaam for an island north of the tourist destination of Zanzibar, said survivor Abdullah Saied. It sank in an area with heavy currents in deep sea between mainland Tanzania and Pemba Island at about 1 a.m. Saturday. Boats frequently traverse the route off the coast of eastern Africa, but travel times vary depending on the vessel. "I realized something strange on the movement of the ship. It was like zigzag or dizziness," said 15-year-old Yahya Hussein, who survived by clinging to a plank of wood with three others. "After I noticed that I jumped to the rear side of ship, and a few minutes later the ship went lopsided." Hussein said there had been many children aboard the ship. After the ship began to list, water rushed through the main cabin and stopped the engines, said Mwita Massoud, another survivor. On Saturday night, a reporter from ITV, a local television station, said he had seen 189 bodies. The president of Zanzibar, Ali Mohammed Shein, said 572 people had been rescued and declared three days of mourning for the disaster. "We appeal for calm to the public. The government is doing its best it can to handle the situation. There is no need to panic," Mohammed said. In the hours after the sinking, the government strongly discouraged journalists from reporting the event and tried to restrict information about the accident. The green and hilly island of Pemba is often described as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean, is heavily reliant on tourism to support its economy. Thousands of residents mobbed the docks of Stone Town on Zanzibar, an island near Pemba, waiting for news. One man was screaming that he had lost 25 members of his family, including his sisters, his wife and grandsons. He was too upset to give his name. Many of the crowd were crying or screaming. All the shops were closed. Seven bodies had washed up so far, witness Abdirizak Juma said. Many of those present expressed anger that the ship had been allowed to leave port so overloaded and called on government officials to resign. They said the island should have divers and rescue boats, but it only has a small vessel to try to stop smuggling. In 2006, another ship capsized at the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, claiming hundreds of lives.
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Post by Scott on Sept 10, 2011 19:01:13 GMT -8
An overloaded ferry off the coast of Tanzania (Africa) capsized with 800 on board. Estimates are that 200 perished. Story from the BBC:
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I don't think this would happen in Fiji, so I'm not making comparisons... But if this is what happens when ferries get a "second life", it is not a better ending than the Mexican ship-wreckers.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 12, 2011 3:23:15 GMT -8
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/09/11/ferry-sink-tanzania.html Death toll in Tanzania ferry sinking soars to 240More than 240 people were killed when a crowded ferry sank off Tanzania's coast and some 600 have been rescued, officials said Sunday, figures that indicate the boat was filled beyond capacity. Assistant police commissioner Mussa Ali Mussa, the head of police in Zanzibar, confirmed the new death toll. Relatives had claimed 192 bodies and 28 more were awaiting identification on Sunday, a day after the ship sank, said Mohammed Aboud Mohammed, the minister for state in the vice-president's office on the island of Zanzibar. He said around 600 people had been rescued so far and that the government was still looking for the vessel's captain. "The government is holding the chief engineer for questioning in order to gather details," said Mohammed. "The captain of the ferry is still missing and the government doesn't know precisely the owner of the ferry." Survivors said the M.V. Spice Islanders, which sank near the tourist destination of Zanzibar, was well beyond its official capacity of 600 passengers. Many residents angrily asked why the boat had been allowed to leave port so overloaded. The bodies were taken to a sports field, where imams said prayers and the bodies were washed and wrapped in white according to Islamic custom. The government is paying for all funeral costs, Mohammed said. Weeping families walked among them looking for their loved ones, falling into each others' arms if they recognized a relative or neighbour. Most of the corpses were wrapped in cloth with a photo of the face placed on the front. Some of the ship's passengers were mutilated when cargo fell on top of them when the boat began to list. Among those still searching for news was Omar Saied, who arrived from Tanzania's commercial capital of Dar es Salaam to search for his nephew and niece, on their way to a wedding on the island of Pemba. "I'm looking for my missing family," he said. "So far our hope has been in vain." International charity Save the Children said it launched an emergency response for injured and traumatized children The charity described the "incredible bravery" of young survivors, including one 6-year-old with a lifejacket who saved his 18-month-old brother by holding on to him in the sea for four hours until they were rescued. It said another set of brothers -- aged 7 and 9 -- clung to a floating freezer to stay alive. The charity said they had been given clothes, food and clean water and that 79 out of 129 children it has cared for have been reunited with their families. The rest are in the hospital, Save the Children said. "Children arrived at our centre freezing, dehydrated and suffering from shock," said Mubarak Maman, the charity's team leader in Zanzibar. "Many had spent hours alone in the dark sea clinging onto floating luggage to stop themselves from drowning, and had lost their parents and siblings in the chaos. Others had been seriously injured or were vomiting from the sea water." He said it was essential that the charity was there to provide crucial care and comfort, and to register the children so "none were lost in the panic." The ferry left Dar Es Salaam loaded with building materials, mattresses and passengers, survivors said. It stopped at the island of Zanzibar and then continued on to Pemba, a top diving destination. But it began to list in the early hours of Saturday, and eventually sank in an area of deep sea and strong currents. Most survivors drifted ashore clinging to foam mattresses or wooden planks from the ferry. Some were plucked from the water by a flotilla of pleasure craft, wooden fishing boats and yachts which set off from the beach Saturday to search for survivors. The island of Zanzibar, a top tourist destination, is observing three days of mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast and radio and television stations are playing readings of the Qur'an instead of music.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 12, 2011 3:43:37 GMT -8
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/09/11/ferry-sink-tanzania.html Death toll in Tanzania ferry sinking soars to 240More than 240 people were killed when a crowded ferry sank off Tanzania's coast and some 600 have been rescued, officials said Sunday, figures that indicate the boat was filled beyond capacity. Assistant police commissioner Mussa Ali Mussa, the head of police in Zanzibar, confirmed the new death toll. Relatives had claimed 192 bodies and 28 more were awaiting identification on Sunday, a day after the ship sank, said Mohammed Aboud Mohammed, the minister for state in the vice-president's office on the island of Zanzibar. He said around 600 people had been rescued so far and that the government was still looking for the vessel's captain. "The government is holding the chief engineer for questioning in order to gather details," said Mohammed. "The captain of the ferry is still missing and the government doesn't know precisely the owner of the ferry." Survivors said the M.V. Spice Islanders, which sank near the tourist destination of Zanzibar, was well beyond its official capacity of 600 passengers. Many residents angrily asked why the boat had been allowed to leave port so overloaded. The bodies were taken to a sports field, where imams said prayers and the bodies were washed and wrapped in white according to Islamic custom. The government is paying for all funeral costs, Mohammed said. Weeping families walked among them looking for their loved ones, falling into each others' arms if they recognized a relative or neighbour. Most of the corpses were wrapped in cloth with a photo of the face placed on the front. Some of the ship's passengers were mutilated when cargo fell on top of them when the boat began to list. Among those still searching for news was Omar Saied, who arrived from Tanzania's commercial capital of Dar es Salaam to search for his nephew and niece, on their way to a wedding on the island of Pemba. "I'm looking for my missing family," he said. "So far our hope has been in vain." International charity Save the Children said it launched an emergency response for injured and traumatized children The charity described the "incredible bravery" of young survivors, including one 6-year-old with a lifejacket who saved his 18-month-old brother by holding on to him in the sea for four hours until they were rescued. It said another set of brothers -- aged 7 and 9 -- clung to a floating freezer to stay alive. The charity said they had been given clothes, food and clean water and that 79 out of 129 children it has cared for have been reunited with their families. The rest are in the hospital, Save the Children said. "Children arrived at our centre freezing, dehydrated and suffering from shock," said Mubarak Maman, the charity's team leader in Zanzibar. "Many had spent hours alone in the dark sea clinging onto floating luggage to stop themselves from drowning, and had lost their parents and siblings in the chaos. Others had been seriously injured or were vomiting from the sea water." He said it was essential that the charity was there to provide crucial care and comfort, and to register the children so "none were lost in the panic." The ferry left Dar Es Salaam loaded with building materials, mattresses and passengers, survivors said. It stopped at the island of Zanzibar and then continued on to Pemba, a top diving destination. But it began to list in the early hours of Saturday, and eventually sank in an area of deep sea and strong currents. Most survivors drifted ashore clinging to foam mattresses or wooden planks from the ferry. Some were plucked from the water by a flotilla of pleasure craft, wooden fishing boats and yachts which set off from the beach Saturday to search for survivors. The island of Zanzibar, a top tourist destination, is observing three days of mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast and radio and television stations are playing readings of the Qur'an instead of music.
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Post by EGfleet on Sept 12, 2011 8:55:42 GMT -8
Official and survivor counts indicate that nearly 1,200 people may have been aboard a crowded ferry that sank off Tanzania's coast.
The Associated Press
STONE TOWN, Tanzania — Official and survivor counts indicate that nearly 1,200 people may have been aboard a crowded ferry that sank off Tanzania's coast.
Survivor Issa Hemeid said Monday some 150 people were likely trapped inside the boat's first- and second-class section when it sank early Saturday, echoing two other survivors. The death toll was 240 on Monday. On Sunday, an official estimated more than 800 people survived.
Together, that could mean nearly 1,200 people were aboard, well above survivors' estimates of the boat's capacity of 600.
Officials gathered Monday on the island of Zanzibar to pray for the survivors and the dead.
Survivors said the ferry left Tanzania's commercial capital of Dar es Salaam loaded with building materials, mattresses and passengers. Officials said they are seeking the boat's captain and owner.
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 12, 2011 10:57:38 GMT -8
Official and survivor counts indicate that nearly 1,200 people may have been aboard a crowded ferry that sank off Tanzania's coast.The Associated Press STONE TOWN, Tanzania — Official and survivor counts indicate that nearly 1,200 people may have been aboard a crowded ferry that sank off Tanzania's coast. Survivor Issa Hemeid said Monday some 150 people were likely trapped inside the boat's first- and second-class section when it sank early Saturday, echoing two other survivors. The death toll was 240 on Monday. On Sunday, an official estimated more than 800 people survived. Together, that could mean nearly 1,200 people were aboard, well above survivors' estimates of the boat's capacity of 600. Officials gathered Monday on the island of Zanzibar to pray for the survivors and the dead. Survivors said the ferry left Tanzania's commercial capital of Dar es Salaam loaded with building materials, mattresses and passengers. Officials said they are seeking the boat's captain and owner. This is not a way to welcome a new week. A sinking of a ship overcrowded with human souls. Let's hope the new African operators of the former WSF passenger vessels SKAGIT and KALAMA will watch very closely on the loads aboard them and keep them under their certified capacity.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 13, 2011 17:20:55 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/secretarygeneral-sadness340385.aspx IMO Secretary-General Expresses Sadness at Tanzania Ferry DisasterThe Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, has expressed his profound sadness for the loss of life in the sinking of the ro-ro ferry Spice Islander I off the coast of the United Republic of Tanzania on 10 September. “We are shocked at the number of lives lost and have offered any help and technical assistance which may be required,” Mr. Mitropoulos said, adding that IMO was willing to provide assistance in investigating the cause of the accident and, following on from that, in working with the United Republic of Tanzania to prevent further such accidents occurring. Mr. Mitropoulos commended the work of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) sub-centre (which was commissioned by IMO in 2009) in coordinating the rescue. The sub-centre confirmed to IMO on Monday (12 September) that, so far, 187 bodies had been recovered and 619 people had been rescued. While IMO regulations, such as those contained in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), do not apply to ships trading on domestic routes, IMO has worked with a number of countries and non-governmental organizations to improve safety on so-called “non-convention” vessels. With the assistance of IMO, model safety regulations for inland waterways vessels and non-convention craft, including fishing vessels operating in Africa, were developed in 2001. Those regulations were agreed by representatives of Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The model regulations were aimed at providing a regional safety and pollution prevention standard for new vessels and barges and, as appropriate, existing vessels and convention-sized ships that trade regularly on inland waterways and at sea on non-international voyages, and for personnel serving aboard them. Search and rescue coverage around AfricaSearch and rescue coverage around Africa has been developed following the 2000 IMO Conference on Search and Rescue and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), held in Florence, Italy. In one of the resolutions adopted by the Conference, African countries bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (from Morocco to Somalia, anti-clockwise, as well as the nearby Atlantic and Indian Ocean Island States) were invited to establish, in co-operation with IMO, five sub-regional centres and 26 sub-centres to cover their entire coastline areas for search and rescue coordination purposes, in order to provide search and rescue coverage in what had previously been identified as one of the areas suffering most from a lack of adequate SAR and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System infrastructure. This process was finalized earlier in 2011 with the signing of an agreement on the North and West African sub-regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), establishing a new MRCC near Rabat, Morocco. This had been preceded by MRCCs commissioned in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2006 (its sub-centres in Dar es Salaam and Victoria, Seychelles, were both commissioned in 2009); in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2007; in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2008; and in Monrovia, Liberia, in 2009, completing the chain of sub-regional African MRCCs, each with its own network of associated sub-centres.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Sept 13, 2011 19:15:18 GMT -8
The fact that Tanzania is a signatory to certain IMO safety protocols shows how little value there is in such exercises when a nation is too poor and perhaps too corrupt to enforce them.
Different countries have different levels of participation and compliance with different IMO/SLOAS provisions. Canada doesn't compare terribly well to some European nations, but our general adherence and enforcement is probably very sufficient for reasonable safety standards.
Tanzania is classed as a 'heavily indebted poor country' by the World Bank, and probably has very little infrastructure to actually monitor and enforce the condition of all commercial vessels, and their loading.
Who knows how much corruption also adds to the danger for travellers.
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Post by whalebreath on Sept 14, 2011 21:13:09 GMT -8
With over 300 inhabited islands Fiji is a natural for older ferries-the ships I saw in the past were downright scaryNEW FIJI FERRY BEGINS SERVICE TO OUTLYING ISLESS econd vessel due to arrive in two weeksSUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Sept. 14, 2011) – The government has announced it is expecting the arrival of another vessel within the next two weeks to supplement government shipping services to the outer islands. [PIR editor's note: The MV Princess Lomaiviti was once the Queen of Prince Rupert, a Canadian vessel bought from British Columbia Ferries and built in 1966 for approximately FJ$6 million (US$3.3 million). The vessel is roughly 100 meters long and has carrying capacities of 800 passengers and 80 vehicles.]Deputy Secretary for Transport Malakai Tadulala made the announcement while launching the Goundar Shipping Limited's Lomaiviti Princess. Tadulala said the Lomaiviti Princess would service areas in Vanua Levu especially Savusavu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Levuka and has plans to sail to Rotuma twice a month. The Lomaiviti Princess will undertake her maiden voyage tomorrow.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 15, 2011 17:52:29 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/sardinia-corsica-ferries340428.aspx Corsica & Sardinia Ferries Award Onboard Communications Contract to MCPMaritime Communications Partner (MCP) has strengthened its foothold in the Mediterranean through a major turnkey telecommunications contract with Corsica & Sardinia Ferries, one of Italy’s most prestigious ferry operators.The five-year contract covers Mobile Telephony, Mobile Internet, WiFi and VSAT for eight passenger ferries and plays a key role in supporting Corsica’s ongoing aims to provide crew and passengers with competitive wireless communications backed by a highly reliable quality cellular network.Corsica & Sardinia Ferries are one of the biggest operators on the Western Mediterranean Sea transporting about 3.5 million passengers annually aboard their ferries running to and from France and Italy to Corsica and Sardinia. MCP, the leading onboard communications partner, will transform Corsica’s onboard communication to a premium mobile telecoms service ready for the next generation voice and data services. “Corsica & Sardinia Ferries is choosing avant-garde communications technology and securing the most reliable end-to-end wireless service available to the passenger ferry market. Upgrading each vessel’s communications system will have a positive impact on Corsica’s passenger satisfaction and fleet operation” said Pierre Mattei CEO, Corsica & Sardinia Ferries. The contract includes the supply of network equipment and design, engineering and product management, system integration and operations. MCP’s network connects through the VSAT satellite communications system to a terrestrial gateway that routes calls and data to and from the fixed telecommunications network. MCP’s mobile network is switched on and off two nautical miles from shore. Passengers may roam this network, use voice and data services, including messaging, MMS, mail, mobile Internet and Blackberry services. According to MCP, Mediterranean ferry operators face a growing demand for reliable wireless access by passengers and commuters wishing to take advantage of the Internet and other communication services. Wireless trends are surging and upbeat ferry operators must be highly adaptable to the mobile social networking revolution. “This contract is a vote of confidence in MCP, giving us a solid platform for expansion in the Mediterranean ferry markets,” said Eivind Madsen CEO, MCP. In keeping with its commitment to be the leading onboard communications partner to the cruise and ferry industry, MCP worked with Corsica & Sardinia Ferries to integrate a reliable, customized network and service for their ferry operation. The Corsica & Sardinia Ferries contract further cements MCP’s reputation as the trusted service and technology partner offering reliable service worldwide and hassle free roaming. “Corsica & Sardinia Ferries is a detailed, professional operator and benchmarked us against other industry competitors. Corsica & Sardinia Ferries contacted our clients to confirm our track record and promise of quality services and equipment needed to run their business. From the start we have been totally transparent and shown - through other European ferry operators – that we deliver top services and what we say,” says Eivind Madsen CEO, MCP.MCP engineers, together with local agent VBS Italy, start site surveys in this month and expect total VSAT, cellular and equipment installation completed and in operation for the first vessels in October. Pierre Mattei of Corsica & Sardinia Ferries, said: “Our decision to choose MCP as a partner for our wireless communication needs, reaffirms the value of MCP’s expertise in maritime wireless technology-orientated solutions and services. I am convinced that their technology and network, along with at-sea mobile convergence solutions and services, will contribute significantly to Corsica’s position as a leading ferry operator." Corsica & Sardinia Ferries will use the MCP network for real-time connection of its headquarters, thereby streamlining fleet operation logistics, monitoring and managing onboard sales and providing even better service management and optimization.
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timo
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Post by timo on Nov 2, 2011 22:47:58 GMT -8
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 14, 2011 17:40:57 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/islands-ferries-many341356.aspx Many Islands, Many FerriesWith over 230 million people living on about 13 thousand islands, Indonesia requires a lot of ferries. Shipyards such as PT. Bintan Marina Shipyard are meeting this demand for fast, safe and modern ferries. The yard's recently designed, built and delivered the fast ferry, MV Super Jet 19, to the associated PT. Pelayaran Nasional Bahtera Bestari Shipping. The new boat continues a tradition of fine looking vessel designs that date back at least as far as the wooden Pinisi boats that continue their centuries old inter-island trade. While perhaps sharing some common ancestry, the MV Super Jet 19 is a vastly different vessel from the earlier inter-island traders. The sleek 34.7-meter by 5.5-meter ferry can transport up to 260 passengers at an average speed of 27 knots. The hull, with a 2.4-meter molded depth, holds tankage for 12,000 liters of fuel and 1,000 liters of water. The hull also accommodates a powerful pair of Cummins KTA50-M2 engines each delivering 1600 HP at 1800 RPM to ZF Model BW455 gearboxes. Output from the gears is a pair of 110 mm by 5.5-meter long shafts with 1295 by 1016-m/m five-blade propellers. Electric power is provided by a pair of 60 kW generator sets. With a crew of eight, the Super Jet 19 has capacity for up to 280 passengers. The new ferry is operating on a route between Tanjungpinang and Dabo Singkep in Indonesia.
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timo
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Post by timo on Nov 17, 2011 9:00:04 GMT -8
A news clip about bankrupt ferry operator SeaFrance: CALAIS-Dover ferry operator SeaFrance has been thrown a two-month lifeline after the court at the Tribunal de Commerce de Paris put it into judicial liquidation, but allowed it to continue to trade until January 28.
The company now has a breathing space in which to attract new offers. These offers must be lodged by December 12. SeaFrance, part-owned by SNCF, has been under huge pressure from Channel Tunnel operations and has been in administration after making €240 million losses last year.
Two bids to buy SeaFrance were on the table before the tribunal this morning - one from a DFDS/LD Lines consortium which has offered €5 million while an employee cooperative has offered a symbolic €1 - and these were judged insufficient.
SeaFrance yesterday suspended all cross-Channel services for 48 hours and its ferries were tied up overnight at Calais with crews on board. There had been fears that an attempt would be made to stage a sit-in if the DFDS/LD Lines offer had been accepted.
Passengers can get information from a helpline on 0044 (0) 845 458 0666.
The boss of the Danish ferry company, Niels Smedegaard, told La Voix du Nord that only his company could save SeaFrance and dismissed the workers' co-operative bid as a "mirage".
DFDS and LD Lines would create a new company to serve routes from Dover-Calais, the present DFDS Dunkirk-Dover; and the LD Lines service Le Havre-Portsmouth and Dieppe-Newhaven. It would keep three of the four SeaFrance vessels. However, nearly 400 jobs would go in the takeover, with only 460 jobs being retained out of the present workforce of more than 800.
The company has been in administration since June 2010.
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timo
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Post by timo on Nov 18, 2011 13:44:54 GMT -8
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 28, 2011 14:53:51 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/interferry-lowsulphur341524.aspx Interferry: low-sulphur timetable ‘mission impossible’Trade association Interferry says that ferry operators in northern Europe face a near-impossible choice in trying to meet the 2015 deadline for ultra-low sulphur emissions from bunker fuel.The association also warns that the low-sulphur legislation will prompt an environmentally damaging modal shift from short-sea to overland transport and pose severe financial implications for the overall European economy. Under pending IMO and soon to be agreed European Union (EU) environmental requirements, vessels operating in the Baltic, North Sea and Channel Emission Control Areas (ECAs) will have to comply with a 0.1% limit on fuel sulphur content. Interferry says it acknowledges ferry operators’ responsibility to reduce emissions and supports the move to lower sulphur limits globally by 2020 - but claims that the 2015 timescale is ‘mission impossible´ due to unsustainable cost increases. It argues that, despite the ferry industry’s efforts to develop alternative technologies and feasible alternative fuels, abatement technologies and financial support will not be available or sufficient enough to avoid a modal shift from sea to road. These alternatives are the elements in a ‘toolbox’ of technical and financial solutions proposed by the European Commission (EC). The toolbox suggests the use of ‘clean’ LNG fuel or, for vessels that continue to run on heavy fuel oil, the use of scrubbers - exhaust gas cleaning systems. It also points operators towards EU funding initiatives and state aid. Interferry responds that these are not realistic options because: “There is no financial support for existing ferries, while LNG and scrubbers are not feasible,” says Johan Roos, the association’s executive director of EU and IMO affairs. “In effect, the toolbox is completely empty. Our only option is to use marine gas oil – technically straightforward but very costly and potentially counter-productive in environmental terms. Operators have warned that they will not be able to pass on the 70% or more fuel cost increase to customers with a choice of transport modes, which will inevitably push up to 50% of cargo off short-sea ships and back on to the road network.” He added that, apart from cost, availability is also an issue with MGO, stressing: “At the very least, the IMO must bring forward its availability review from 2018, as mandated in MARPOL Annex VI, to 2012 or 2013. It’s also clear that the ongoing revision of the EU Directive must put provisions in place as to what should happen if low-sulphur fuel is simply not available to operators in 2015.” Roos conducted the scrubber feasibility study among six Interferry members operating in the north European ECAs - Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Grimaldi Group, P&O Ferries, Stena Line and TT-Line. The conclusion that more than half their existing ships could not be fitted with scrubbers was based on five critical parameters: The detailed results are being offered to the European Maritime Safety Agency for independent audit and will also be made available to relevant authorities.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Dec 9, 2011 15:22:04 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/developing-nations-safety341652.aspx Ferry Safety Forum for Developing NationsA blueprint for safer ferry operations in developing nations has been drawn up at the inaugural Regional Forum on Domestic Ferry Safety - organised by the IMO and trade association Interferry under their ongoing joint project to stem ferry fatalities in the developing world.Aimed at national maritime administrations and ferry operators in south-east Asia, the event was hosted by Indonesia in Bali on December 6-7 and attracted 74 participants. After two days of presentations and debate, they agreed an action plan ranging from accident reporting and investigation to guidelines on buying and running second-hand vessels. Delegate attendance was supported by additional funding from South Korea, Australia and five Interferry members - Riverside Marine, International Marine Consultants, OSK Ship-Tech, Austal and Baird Publications. “There was some speculation that ferry companies may have been reluctant to attend for fear of being made scapegoats for the region’s poor safety record,” says Interferry CEO Len Roueche, “but there were operators from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia and Indonesia and their contributions were invaluable.” The forum was designed to launch a process of sharing information, challenges, ideas and solutions to improve the level of ferry safety, which continues to be very low in much of the region. “Formal presentations soon developed into open and very frank discussions in which no-one hesitated to admit that they had enormous challenges that were not going to be easy to solve,” adds Roueche. “Solutions like ‘practical regulations effectively enforced’ ran up against the realities of funding, manpower and training. Nevertheless it was encouraging to hear about the major strides being made in some countries.” Authorities from Indonesia and the Philippines described significant progress in developing thorough and practical regulations for domestic ferries. China identified several serious safety issues and outlined a comprehensive strategy involving more effective enforcement, additional investment in the sector and the reorganisation or consolidation of governmental agencies. Among initiatives described by operators, Chet Pastrana of Philippines-based Archipelago Ferry Corp. explained how safety standards would rise with his company’s order for ten purpose-built ro-pax catamarans - designed in Australia and being built in China. This was in contrast to the nation’s usual practice of acquiring ‘hand-me-down’ tonnage from developed countries like Japan that was not always a good fit for Philippines operations. From Vietnam, Chanh Nguyen of family-owned company Thanh Thoi explained how things might be changing in a country that in the past has not had much capability to invest in ferry transport. He said his company had recently launched the nation’s first car ferry operation to serve one of the offshore islands. The service had been very well received by residents and tourists, and a second vessel was now on order. Highlights of the action plan agreed by the end of the forum included: - initial facts of maritime accidents and incidents to be reported in the immediate aftermath; and subsequent accident investigation reports to be channelled through IMO’s established casualty investigation reporting system, enabling the information to be shared regionally on a regular basis
- information to be provided on the on the size and scope of domestic ferry operations in each participating nation
- safety policies to be developed for the purchase and operation of second-hand vessels
- encouragement of safety education for passengers
- a study of the impact of artificially low fares, including how negative impacts have been overcome in certain countries
Roueche acknowledges the ‘lively’ input of delegates both during the forum and during informal sessions such as the pre-event reception hosted by Interferry. But he warns: “The friendly and positive exchange of ideas in Bali will not amount to much unless the process continues. The fact that we turned words into a plan of action raises real hope in this respect. “As the forum progressed, it became clear that peer pressure will be an important factor. No-one wants to be last in class or labelled as not keeping up. In the end this could be the most powerful incentive for change.”
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Dec 13, 2011 15:52:10 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/building-shipyard-finland341690.aspx STX Building Ferry at Finland ShipyardStart of Production of Double Ended Ferry at STX Finland Rauma Shipyard.On Tuesday, 13 December 2011, STX Finland Oy's Rauma Shipyard started a production of a Double Ended newbuilding no. 1380 for Finferries. The vessel will be delivered at the end of 2012. Construction of the 65-metre ferry will bring 100 man-years of labour to STX Rauma shipyard per-sonnel and the personnel of its supplier network. The start of the production was attended by representatives of Finferries, STX Finland, the classification society Det Norske Veritas, and members of the press. The double ended and environmentally friendly passenger ferry will operate in Turku Archipelago, Finland, on the Korpo - Houtskär route, the length and challenging ice conditions of which will set special requirements to the performance of the vessel. Particular attention has been given to the efficiency and safety of the ferry that will enter traffic at the beginning of 2013. "The engineering and procurement processes at the STX Rauma Shipyard have advanced exactly as planned. The construction process will proceed rapidly and the keel of the ferry will be laid in spring 2012," explains Timo Suistio, Director of STX Rauma shipyard.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Jan 13, 2012 15:53:40 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/propulsion-complete342056.aspx Chinese Ferry Orders Complete Propulsion PackageWeihai Haida Ferry Co., operating in NE China, has placed an order for a 2,200-passenger/1100-lane-metre Ropax ferry featuring a MAN Diesel & Turbo propulsion package. Weihai Haida is the exclusive operator on the route between the major cities of Weihai and Dalian on opposite sides of the Bohai strait in NE China where it undertakes a Ropax service. The company currently has two vessels in its fleet operating on the route – the ‘Xin Shen Shen’ and ‘Shen Shen 1’ – with the former shortly due to exit service. The newbuilding will be constructed at local Huanghai shipyard and will be called ‘Shen Shen 2’. It will feature a twin-screw propulsion plant comprising two well-proven MAN 9L32/40 (IMO Tier-II compliant) four-stroke engines manufactured by MAN Diesel & Turbo in Augsburg (Germany), two Renk single-reduction gearboxes with PTO shaft to drive alternators, and two MAN CP propellers using the new, high efficiency type Alpha VBS1020 Mk 5 design. Additionally, the Alphatronic 2000 has been designated as propulsion control system. MAN Diesel & Turbo Frederikshavn (Denmark) will support the integration of the full propulsion package. The new ferry will be capable of carrying its 2,200 passengers at a design speed of 18 knots. Along with the optimised propulsion package, Weihai Haida has also ordered engine spare-parts from MAN PrimeServ, MAN Diesel & Turbo’s after-sales division. Weihai Haida is a new customer for MAN Diesel & Turbo but the company has a longterm relationship with Huanghai shipyard that has seen the construction of eight Ropax ferries with MAN four-stroke propulsion systems to date. The shipyard has also ordered 34 MAN Diesel & Turbo license-built, two-stroke engines in this time. The regional increase in tourism is an important driver for the order of the ferry. The city of Weihai and its hinterland has a fast-developing and attractive seaside location and is currently experiencing growing numbers of tourists from northern China, especially from around the Dalian area.
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Post by Scott on Feb 2, 2012 7:32:26 GMT -8
A ferry sinking today: More than 200 rescued in Papua New Guinea ferry sinking By James Grubel, Reuters February 2, 2012 5:23 AM
More than 200 people were plucked from waters off Papua New Guinea on Thursday after a ferry sank but dozens remained missing with rescuers scouring the choppy seas for survivors.
Operator Star Ships said it lost contact with the MV Rabaul Queen at about 6:00am (2000 GMT Wednesday) while it was travelling between Kimbe and Lae in the east of the Pacific nation, blaming bad weather for the disaster.
The PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) said it was first alerted by a distress signal and confirmed that "the vessel has sunk and passengers are in the waters awaiting rescue".
Rescue co-ordinator Captain Nurur Rahman said more than 300 people were on board the vessel but it was too early to say why the ferry went down, refusing to speculate on whether the ship was overloaded.
"Our priority at the moment is to save lives, but it is an unusual occurrence," he told AFP, adding the Rabaul Queen had "completely sunk".
"WeÕve had a few cargo ship mishaps before, but never a ferry," he added.
AustraliaÕs Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the ship went down about nine nautical miles (16 kilometres) off the coast and it was helping coordinate the rescue, with 238 people saved so far and eight merchant ships on the scene.
It was not clear however how many people were missing, an AMSA spokeswoman said.
"Initial reports say (there were) 350 (on board), however three passengers who have been rescued from the water have said the number could be higher than that."
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd was quoted as saying by the AAP news agency that "a large number (are) still remain missing". Rough seas were hampering the rescue effort, AAP said, quoting Rahman.
A number of the survivors were to be airlifted to hospitals for treatment for dislocated shoulders and other injuries, Rahman said, adding that he had not "heard anything about fatalities".
An Australian search-and-rescue aircraft with life raft-dropping capabilities was assisting the operation, as well as three local helicopters, with an Orion PC3 military jet and second search aircraft en route, AMSA said.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard earlier described it as a "major tragedy" that had likely claimed a large number of lives.
"Given the likely very high loss of life here, I think when this news comes to the attention of Australians around the country they will be thinking about the people of PNG," Gillard said in the hours immediately after the sinking.
Rudd said Canberra stood "ready to offer all necessary assistance."
AustraliaÕs foreign office said it had been advised by Star Ships that "they do not believe that there were any foreigners on board", with local reports suggesting that many on the ferry had been students and trainee teachers.
Lae, the shipÕs final destination, is home to a large university.
It was rocked by a horrific plane crash in October which killed 28 people, most of whom were believed to be parents travelling to graduation ceremonies Ñ in PNGÕs worst air disaster.
Martin Mosi, director of the PNG National Disaster Centre, said he was awaiting word on casualties and it was "very difficult to say" what the cause of the ferry sinking may have been.
"Is it weather, is it overloading or is it something to do with the vessel itself? We do not know but that will certainly come to light very soon," he added.
Star Ships, among PNGÕs largest passenger ship operators, runs regular services to the nationÕs outlying islands including to New BritainÕs Kimbe, a popular dive site that attracts tourists from across the world.
© Copyright (c) Reuters
Read more: www.vancouversun.com/news/More+than+missing+Papua+Guinea+ferry+sinking/6087851/story.html#ixzz1lEsOMlRh
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 6, 2012 16:36:53 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/ordered-service-damen342883.aspx Damen Ferry Ordered for China ServiceDamen Shipyards and Afai Southern Shipyard contracted to build 35 m ferry for Liuzhou Yinliu Hotel Management.Liuzhou Yinliu Hotel Management Co. Ltd. (China) has ordered a Damen Ferry 3508 with Afai Southern Shipyard (China). The DFe 3508 is a 35m Aluminium Luxury Sightseeing Ferry and is designated for the municipal government of Guangxi Liuzhou. As Liuzhou is the main business port of the Guangxi Zhuang region, the city will use the ferry for receiving both government and industry representatives for official meetings and sightseeing tours along the Liujiang River. Delivery is scheduled in the first quarter of 2013. The DFe 3508, the first one of its kind, is specifically designed for this client and this application. It has a passenger capacity of 100 persons. The ferry is outfitted with a conference room, a VIP-room and spacious passenger rooms with extensive catering facilities. Damen Shipyards China According to Henk Grunstra, Product Director Fast Ferries at Damen’s HQ in Gorinchem (The Netherlands), the current newbuild is a good example of high quality euro-asian cooperation. “We are complementary to a high degree with our partners in China. From an early stage, Damen has been monitoring the development of Chinese shipyards and slowly we’ve started to cooperate with some of the best of them. In addition Damen was the first European shipbuilder with its own shipyard in China. Over the years Afai Southern’s production capacity and capability has grown. They match with Damen’s vessel designs and our approach to shipbuilding.” Afai Southern – Damen cooperation The aluminum ferry has been designed by Damen Shipyards and will be built by Afai Southern. The two shipyards work in close cooperation since 2001 to build aluminium vessels. Amongst other ships, this has led to the two biggest aluminium vessels built in China, i.e. two 85m RoPax ferries delivered to Turkish ferry operator IDO. Damen exports ferries to clients all over the world, e.g. in Singapore, Dubai and Turkey. Afai Southern and Damen Shipyards closely cooperate as to business and production standards. Afai Southern continuously invests in business management, production technology and the training of its personnel in order to deliver high quality vessels that meet the requirements of the world’s classification bureaus.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 7, 2012 17:34:44 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/catamaran-launched-ferry342892.aspx 24m Catamaran Ferry LaunchedIncat Crowther announced the launch of a 24m Catamaran Ferr,y constructed by Marine Engineering Consultants. Based on the successful Fantasea Sunrise (launched in 2011), Riverside Avalon is the first of three vessels contracted by Riverside Marine to ferry construction workers to the QCLNG project on Curtis Island. Riverside Avalon carries 246 passengers over two decks with seats arranged in forward facing rows. Three toilets, including one handicap toilet, are located on the main deck. An additional toilet is located on the upper deck. Vessel boarding is achieved via folding ramps midships and aft on both sides. These ramps are designed to interact with the ferry terminal pontoons in Gladstone and on Curtis Island. These ramps allow much faster turnaround times and ease of berthing operations for crew. The vessel has an array of features designed to give the vessel a second life upon conclusion of operation at the QCLNG plant. Riverside Avalon features large aft swim platforms and additional support structure for an offshore rescue boat or for a reef transfer vessel. Additional sullage tanks are fitted to the hulls to facilitate waste pump-out from reef pontoons. Riverside Avalon is in USL/NSCV 2010 1D survey, but has been designed to be easily transferred to USL/NSCV 1C survey for its second life. A second-life seating layout has also been developed, which will feature lounges and booth seating. Riverside Avalon is powered by a pair of Yanmar 6AYM-WET main engines, producing 610kW @ 1900 rpm. On a recent sea trial, Riverside Avalon easily achieved its governed service speed of 25 knots. Propellers were selected following studies showed that this was the most efficient propulsion package for the vessel at a service speed of 25 knots. Skegs have been fitted which have been specifically designed to protect marine life in the sensitive Gladstone environment.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 7, 2012 17:36:34 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/lngpowered-cruise-ferry342919.aspx LNG-powered Cruise Ferry Keel LaidKeel-laying at STX Finland Yard for Viking Lines New 'Viking Grace'The RoRo cruise ferry M/S Viking Grace vaunted to be the most environmentally friendly large cruise ferry ever, will be fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and incorporates a host of environmentally friendly features in the design. Delivery is scheduled for early next year.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 23, 2012 16:17:37 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/propellers-schneider343202.aspx Hybrid Ferries Will Use Voith Schneider PropellersIn summer, 2013, the world's first two ferries with a hybrid propulsion system will be put into service. Owned by CMAL, they are being built by Ferguson Shipbuilders in Glasgow. Each of the hybrid vessels will be equipped with two Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) with an input power of 375 kW per propeller. With its hybrid concept, the shipyard aims to reduce the ferry's CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent. The vessels will be the first of their kind to combine a diesel-electric propulsion system with lithium ion battery technology. The ferries will operate on various routes in the Scottish waters, which are characterized by strong currents and heavy winds. Both double-ended ferries are powered by two Voith Schneider Propellers, which support the environmentally-friendly ferry concept with their high degree of efficiency and low draft. In addition, they provide the vessels with excellent performance characteristics and safe maneuvering even under the most difficult operating conditions. To take load off the diesel engine temporarily, the two lithium ion battery banks of each ferry are charged overnight from the grid. The hybrid propulsion system reduces the ferry's fuel consumption and thus her CO2 emissions with an ambitious aim: an emission reduction of up to 20 percent. Apart from the economic benefits, the hybrid propulsion system leads to a significant reduction in mechanical stress and noise, in particular when entering and leaving ports. Ferries are generally designed and built for the specific operating scenario in question, with the port infrastructure kept in mind. The new hybrid ferries are to be used on various routes in the Scottish waters to transport approximately 150 passengers and 23 cars per ferry with a service speed of approximately 9 knots. Many Scottish ferry landing areas consist of concrete ramps. The ferries dock without being moored tightly. Accurate control and positioning, as well as the high maneuverability, are essential for docking in rough seas. To ensure that the two type 16R5 EC/90-1 VSPs are well protected during docking maneuvers, the propellers are arranged diagonally in recesses and not in central positions at the front and aft, as is otherwise the case.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Mar 26, 2012 17:36:18 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/crowther-launches-incat343348.aspx Incat Crowther Launches 24m CAT FerryIncat Crowther has announced the launch of 24m catamaran ferry Freedom Sovereign. Launched by Aluminium Marine in Queensland, Australia, Freedom Sovereign is a near sister ship to Fantasea Sunrise, launched last year. Freedom Sovereign has been delivered to Freedom Fast Cats, who have had considerable success with Freedom Flyer (built 1980) and Freedom Monarch (built 2010), both designed by Incat Crowther. Freedom Sovereign is configured to carry 195 passengers over two decks. The main passenger cabin seats 121 passengers, arranged in booths with tables. There is a large bar and kiosk at the aft end of the cabin. Two toilets are located aft on the main deck, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The upper deck consists of a lounge space, slightly smaller than that of Fantasea Sunrise, which seats 20 passengers. Two additional toilets are provided on this deck, and there are 54 exterior seats. Loading is facilitated by aft side gates and midship boarding doors on the main deck. Additionally, an hydraulically operated telescopic ramp mounted on the foredeck. This allows Freedom Fast Cats to operate the vessel to beaches without infrastructure. Powered by a pair of Yanmar 6ATM-GTE engines, Freedom Sovereign recorded a loaded speed of 24 knots. The vessel has a top speed over 27 knots. In addition to its regular service tanks, the vessel also features transfer tanks totaling 2100 litres, which are fitted to allow for transferring sullage in future operations. Incat Crowther believes Freedom Sovereign is a prime example of the long-term relationships Incat Crowther builds with its clients. In Freedom Sovereign, Freedom Fast Cats has gained a rugged, efficient and dependable vessel.
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Apr 5, 2012 17:26:27 GMT -8
www.marinelink.com/news/operations-appoints343550.aspx Irish Ferries Appoints Operations DirectorAndrew Sheen has been appointed Operations Director of Irish Ferries. A former engineer on the company’s fast ferry Jonathan Swift, Sheen joined Irish Ferries from the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, having served as Technical Performance Manager, Engineer and Ship Surveyor. A B. Eng (Hons), M. Sc and Chartered Engineer, he will be accountable for Irish Ferries’ ships safety and operations, all port terminals within the company’s network, and costs associated with the company’s operations in Ireland, Britain and France. From Liverpool, he succeeds John Reilly, who has retired from the company after many years of service.
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