News and Discussion on world ferries

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10121.html

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Nine dollars, no reserve. Bidding starts for historic ferry
1922-built Sydney ferry in online auction this week.......

An historic Sydney ferry is being auctioned online with a starting price of only nine Australian Dollars.

The 200 foot passenger vessel, the BARAGOOLA dates from as far back as 1922 and was built by Mort Dock Balmain. She is the oldest remaining Manly ferry, according to Grays, the online auctioneers, who describe the vessel as:

"rare evidence of the large ferry system which stimulated the growth of suburban Sydney, the development of its recreational patterns and the formation of its popular urban culture. It is a surviving example of a characteristic twentieth century Manly steamer demonstrating evolution of technology for fast double-ending navigation in deep-sea conditions."

Prospective bidders please note: No delivery - pick up only!

She is moored at The Coal Loader Wharf, Waverton, where bidders can view her by boat or make an appointment to board her for a more detailed inspection.

However, her engines don't start as they are no longer operable, and, well, she's been sitting about a bit doing nothing for some time, so don't expect pristine conditions!

But for the ardent ferry collector, this just might be the dream boat you've been searching for. And as it is a No Reserve auction, you could pick up the bargain of a lifetime.

To view the auction, see the following page:

www.graysonline.com.au/sale.asp?SALE_ID=52017

(Note, this link may expire when the auction completes on 26th November, so get your skates on quick!)

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10134.html

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Online auction of BARAGOOLA concludes
Manly ferry sold for $25,000...

Readers will recall we carried a story about the Sydney ferry BARAGOOLA, which was listed in an Australian online auction at a starting price of nine dollars and no reserve.

The auction concluded on Wednesday of last week with a winning bid of $25,009 made by a Port Stephen's man.

The 498 grt ferry was built in 1922 and last saw service in 1983. Originally a steamship, in 1960 she was converted to diesel electric propulsion.

She was one of a class of six steamers, ( the others being: BINGARRA, BURRA BRA, BELLUBERA, BALGOWLAH, BARRENJOEY) designed by Morts Dock and Engineering, initially under the guidance of former chief draughtsman Andrew Christie, and built at the Woolwich yard - except for BARAGOOLA which was built at Balmain.

According to the Heritage Branch listing they were among the largest ships built in Australia at the times "and on the admission of Mort's executives, were built by the Dock more for prestige than profit."

BARAGOOLA was launched on 14th February 1922 by the wife of the owning company's Chairman of directors, Mr. Hunter McPherson. She cost £80,000 which was at the time a significant cost compared to earlier ships of the class.

The identity of her new owner is being kept confidential, however The Manly Daily reports that he wishes to put the ferry into active service again on dolphin-watch cruises.

The postcard photo of the vessel shows her in her heyday and was provided by Andrew Mackinnon of Melbourne.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10135.html
Dover sees increase despite strike
Strike was 'pointless' says Dover Harbour Board...

Massive increases in traffic through the Port of Dover as the build up to cross-Channel Christmas shopping gets underway was reported by Dover Harbour Board yesterday.

The second Unite port workers’ strike at Dover ended at midday yesterday (Saturday) and had no impact on ferry services whilst traffic volumes have shown sharp increases, said the Board.

During the 48 hours of the strike up to 0700 hrs yesterday morning, the port processed 60,000 passengers, 12,426 cars, 649 coaches and 15,436 freight vehicles.


Yesterday’s traffic compared with the same day last year showed increases of 16 per cent in the number of passengers, 13 per cent cars, 20 per cent coaches and 7 per cent freight vehicles.

The port has maintained a full ferry schedule of more than 60 daily departures over two walkouts by Unite members. Non-union staff - trained and certified in a range of mooring, linkspan operation and security skills – have kept the port running within its shipping capacity.

“Clearly the strikes are having no effect on the port’s traffic. It’s pointless and the union must come to the table and negotiate the details of the job transfers with ACAS,” said Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Dover Harbour Board.

Port management have received official notification of further stoppages by the union in week beginning 8th December. “ We will deal with these union stoppages as we have with the last two and there will be no disruption to traffic flows or to port operations. The union must surely realise by now that their actions are only damaging their members” commented Director of Port Operations, Robin Dodridge.

The dispute is over the Board’s decision to transfer 190 mooring, trailer handling and security jobs to the private sector in January.

The first strike was over two days the previous week.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10139.html

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Massive sea search for missing crewman
Crewman from PRIDE OF ROTTERDAM reported overboard...


Yarmouth Coastguard launched a major search operation off the East coast of England this morning after a crewman was reported missing from the ferry Pride Of Rotterdam on route from Holland to Hull.

Yarmouth Coastguard received a call at 5am from the Pride Of Rotterdam reporting that a crew member was missing and had not been seen since midnight. The ferry was on route from Holland overnight and making its way towards the entrance to the River Humber presenting a very large search area stretching approximately 100 nautical miles from just East of Lowestoft up to the River Humber.

A large number of search and rescue units were launched; six RNLI lifeboats from Humber, Gorleston, Lowestoft, Cromer, Cleethorpes, Wells and Skegness, the independent lifeboat from Caister, RAF Rescue Helicopters 125 from Wattisham and 128 from Leconfield. Six Coastguard Teams have also been searching a long stretch of coastline in case the crew member had made it to shore. Coastguard Rescue Teams involved are Cleethorpes, Donna Nook, Winterton, Cromer, Mundesley and Happisburgh.

Yarmouth Coastguard Watch Manager Peter Wheeler said, "An extensive search has been undertaken by many rescuers today involved in this operation. Unfortunately, hopes of finding the crewman from the ferry are fading and with the sea temperature of 10 degrees centigrade there is limited survival time in the water at this time of year."

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=14E7F340-65BF-EBC1-26DFCBF73DA4E06C

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First Saudi Arabian Ferries Delivered
Ceremony Welcomes Vehicle-Passenger Catamarans to Middle East

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed the delivery of its two Austal-built 88 metre high speed vehicle-passenger catamarans, “Riyadh” and “Cairo” during a handover ceremony in Jeddah attended by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak.

Ordered by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance in 2007, the vessels are a gift to the Egyptian Government, and will assist in improving the standard of ferry services across the Red Sea.

Operating on a 100 nautical mile route between Dibba in Saudi Arabia and Safaga in Egypt, the vessels are intended for Pilgrims travelling to Mecca, Egyptian workers travelling to and from Saudi Arabia as well as business and leisure travellers.

Both vessels carry 1200 passengers, 120 cars and 15 trucks and recorded impressive service speeds of 37 knots during recent sea trials, three knots in excess of contract requirements.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Assaf, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Finance said that the inauguration of the two vessels represented a qualitative leap and would establish a new phase in marine transport between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, reducing the current eight-hour trip between Dibba and Safaga by about two hours. The vessels will contribute in transporting about 1 million passengers every year, he added.

Dr. Al-Assaf said that the attendance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak at the launching ceremony of the two ships reflected the depth of relations between the countries of Saudi Arabia and Egypt and their peoples. The Minister, in addressing the King said, "I was honoured to receive your order to build two fast ships to transport passengers and vehicles in accordance with the latest international standards in terms of quality and safety. The Ministry immediately took the necessary actions for implementation."

The Egyptian Minister of Transport Mohamed Mansour thanked King Abdullah and the Saudi people for presenting the two ships as a gift which he said reflected the meaning of friendship and cooperation between two brotherly countries.

King Abdullah handed the ships’ ownership documents over to the President Mubarak before the two leaders toured the ships.

Each vessel is powered by four MTU 20V8000 M71R engines at the reduced maximum rating of 7,200kW @ 1,150rpm, allowing low engine stresses, increased fuel efficiency and longer intervals between engine overhauls.

The car deck features both port and starboard mezzanine levels capable of being lifted for truck and bus access. With an open bow above the forward turning area, the aft loading point features combined vehicle and passenger ramps for quick deployment and retrieval, enabling fast port turnarounds.

Passenger seating is situated on a spacious upper deck with panoramic window views, with a private VIP cabin offering exclusive views from the vessel’s bow.

Austal’s Director – Global Sales and Marketing, Andrew Bellamy, said the vessels drew on Austal’s extensive experience with similar high speed vehicle ferries, many of which have been proven in operation throughout the Middle East region.

“Based on an existing Austal design and optimised to suite specific customer requirements, these vessels will be a valuable asset to the Middle East region, providing an improved transportation service across the Red Sea,” Mr Bellamy said.

“This significant delivery brings the total number of Austal vessels operating in the Middle East to 18, as well as 10 in nearby Turkey, underlining our commitment to the unique needs of the region,” he said.

Both 88 metre ferries made the 15-day, 5700 nautical mile journey from Western Australia to Jeddah, via the Maldives and the Gulf of Aden, on their own power. Each vessel is powered by four MTU 20V 8000 Series diesel engines producing 4 x 7,200kW and driving Kamewa waterjets.

Construction is continuing on an additional two 69 metre vehicle-passenger catamarans at Austal’s Western Australian shipyard, which are to be owned and operated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are scheduled for delivery by mid 2009.
For more information on the 88m vehicle-passnger ferries click here

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10158.html

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STX Europe launch huge ferry BALTIC QUEEN
New vessel for Tallink will be amongst the biggest on the Baltic...

Today, on 5 December 2008, the christening and launching ceremony of the large cruise ferry ordered by Tallink took place at STX Europe's shipyard in Rauma. The contract worth 180 million Euro was signed in April 2007. The vessel will start cruises next spring from Tallinn to Stockholm via Mariehamn.

The vessel was christened as "Baltic Queen" by Mea Mehtonen, 4 years old, daughter of marketing manager with Tallink Henry Mehtonen.

According to plan, the now launched vessel will start operating on the Tallinn (Estonia) - Stockholm (Sweden) via Mariehamn (Aland) route in spring 2009.

This queen is the fifth sophisticated cruise ferry STX Europe is building for Tallink. In addition, a fast ferry called Star was delivered for Talllink last spring from the Helsinki yard.

"We are proud of Tallink's confidence in our building competence which has resulted in the long and strong relationship between our companies", says Mr. Martin Landtman, President of STX Finland Cruise Oy.

"STX Europe is the leader in world ferry market. In our new vessels we have special focus on, in addition to reliable quality, ecological alternatives and energy economy" Landtman continues.

Vice Chairman of the Management Board of AS Tallink Grupp Mr. Andres Hunt said that the vessels is another important milestone in offering the customers of Tallink the best and most reliable service. "Our aim is to really widen the on board entertainment possibilities of our vessels and Baltic Queen is a good example of it. The name - Baltic Queen - will harmonize perfectly with the other vessel on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, Victoria I. We still hold back some fantastic surprises we have planned for the passengers regarding this vessel and those will be revealed, when the vessel is ready to operate," said Hunt.

The 212 metres long and 29 m wide Baltic Queen will be one of the biggest cruise ferries in the Baltic Sea, having capacity for 2,800 passengers. The guiding principle in building the vessel is paying attention to the comfort and luxury of present-day passengers. There will be maximal use of high-tech solutions onboard. 927 cabins, several restaurants and places to entertain of various styles and class as well as a remarkable conference centre with over 450 seats make the new ship a multi functional sea-based hotel with excellent ambience.

M/S Baltic Queen will operate on Tallinn-Stockholm route replacing M/S Romantika. Today, Tallink operates on this route with cruise ferries Romantika (2002) and Victoria I (2004).

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This company also has the distinction of having one of the ugliest paint schemes ever! I posted a picture of one of their vessels previously, but here's a link to refresh your memory:media.shipspotting.com/uploads/thumbs/rw/625236_800/Ship+Photo+Superstar.jpg

[Northern Exploration]

Dec 8, 2008 7:40:01 GMT -8 D'Elete BC in NJ said:

This company also has the distinction of having one of the ugliest paint schemes ever! I posted a picture of one of their vessels previously, but here's a link to refresh your memory:media.shipspotting.com/uploads/thumbs/rw/625236_800/Ship+Photo+Superstar.jpg

That paint job makes me think seasickness without even leaving the dock.

[Northern Exploration]

Dec 8, 2008 7:21:22 GMT -8 D'Elete BC in NJ said:

www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=14E7F340-65BF-EBC1-26DFCBF73DA4E06C

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First Saudi Arabian Ferries Delivered
Ordered by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance in 2007, the vessels are a gift to the Egyptian Government, and will assist in improving the standard of ferry services across the Red Sea.

In Arab culture accepting and giving of gifts is very important. It kind of goes counter to the Canadian mindset. Being considered "stingy" is a very bad thing. If for example someone offers you a taste of some food, the Canadian mindset is to not take the biggest piece. The Arab mindset is that to honor the person offering you the food, you should take the largest piece. Generosity is very important.

So the giving of the Ferries is not unusual for the Saudi's. Both countries will benefit but it is an important measure of the relationship between the countries.

Brent plug your ears and look away. Hmm maybe the Saudi King would be so inclined to give BC Ferries a Wack replacement.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www4.marinelink.com/Story/ShowStory.aspx?StoryID=213781

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Eco-Friendly Ferry Open House
Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) announced the arrival of the eco-friendly ferry, Gemini, in San Francisco Bay on November 25. WETA invites the public to an open house aboard the Gemini, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on December 12 at Gate E, San Francisco Ferry Building.

Highlights of the Gemini include:
• 25 knots, 149 passengers
• Surpasses WETA’s emission mandate of 85% cleaner than EPA emission standards for Tier II (2007) Marine Engines
• Incorporates Selective Catalytic Reduction and solar (renewable energy) technology
• Operates on a blend of biodiesel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel
• Innovative measures to protect bay and marine life include: low wake, low wash hulls & forward searching sonar for avoiding whale strikes
• Room for 34 bikes with fresh water rinse
• Enhanced safety and security measures include: CCTV, voyage data recorder, added CEDs onboard. Surpasses T-Boat requirements for life saving apparatus.
• WiFi provided
• Several seating options to maximize passenger comfort
• Two ADA compliant restrooms

(www.watertransit.org)

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

I'm beginning to think that (a) you wouldn't catch me on a Philippine ferry, and (b) someone's going to create a new reality show called "Deadliest Ferry Trips"!

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www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/15/asia/phils.php

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Ferry capsizes in the Philippines, killing at least 23

MANILA: At least 23 people died and an additional 33 were missing after an overloaded passenger ferry capsized off a northern Philippine province, the coast guard said Monday.

The authorities said they had recovered 23 victims who had drowned after huge waves overturned the Maejan, an interisland ferry carrying 102 passengers, just 50 meters, or 165 feet, off the shoreline of Cagayan Province north of Manila on Sunday morning. Most of the survivors managed to swim to shore.

Officials said the area of the tragedy is known for its big waves and strong current. The Associated Press quoted Joseph Llopis, the mayor of Calayan Island, the origin of the ferry, as saying that hours before the ferry capsized, "three children fell into the sea as the vessel was lashed by huge waves." One of the dead was a 1-year-old child.

Llopis said many of the victims were traveling to the mainland to buy food for Christmas. "There'll be no festive mood. Many of the dead were breadwinners," Llopis said, according to The Associated Press.

The coast guard, in a statement, said the Maejan was buffeted by "big waves and strong current until it was dragged and capsized." The local police said that the ferry was entering the mouth of the Cagayan River when it capsized. Rescue boats and small planes had been dispatched to look for survivors.

Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard, said the Maejan was authorized to carry only 50 passengers and that, according to him, criminal charges would be filed against its owners for overloading the ferry.

Accidents at sea are common in the Philippines, particularly toward the end of the year, when the monsoon season peaks.

Last month, a passenger ferry capsized in the central Philippines after being struck by strong winds. More than 40 people were killed.

In June, the Princess of the Stars, a passenger ship with 850 passengers and crew, sank in the central Philippines after being lashed by Typhoon Fengshen. Only 57 people survived; the authorities are still trying to recover bodies.

The world's worst sea disaster since World War II occurred also in the central Philippines, in December 1987, when the passenger ship Dona Paz collided with an oil tanker, killing more than 4,300 people.

Apart from negligence and the unsafe state of many passenger vessels, storms and typhoons play a crucial role in these tragedies. About 20 storms and typhoons batter the Philippines every year.

On Monday, officials said a tropical storm was nearing the country and threatens to turn into a typhoon in the following days.

[BreannaF]

I had seen this same article about the latest Philippine ferry incident elsewhere, but hadn't had the time to post it. But the one thing that struck me about the article you found was how different the story was from another source. I find the contrast interesting. Here it is, with my comments below:
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Deaths as Philippines ferry sinks

A wooden ferry carrying about 100 passengers has sunk in the Philippines, with at least 22 people drowned and about another 30 missing.

The ferry Maejan was approaching Aparri in Cagayan province in the north of the country when its bamboo outrigger broke in heavy seas off Ballesteros.

Passengers panicked and some leapt into the sea, creating instability on the vessel, which then capsized.

Police said many survivors swam ashore and were found shivering on land.

"They panicked and grabbed anything like water container that will keep them afloat then jumped off the boat," Senior Inspector Alex de los Santos told the Associated Press news agency.

Among the bodies recovered late on Sunday was that of an unidentified one-year-old boy.

"There were no relatives. Most probably his parents perished with him," said Mr de los Santos.

Maritime accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago due to tropical weather, badly maintained passenger boats and weak enforcement of safety regulations.

Hundreds of people were killed in June, when a 23,000-tonne ferry - Princess of the Stars - capsized during a typhoon off the central island of Sibuyan.

Only 57 passengers and crew of the 850 people aboard survived the accident, making it the worst maritime disaster in the Philippines for 20 years.
===================================================

So, help me picture this ferry boat. It was carrying 100+ passengers (and it was more like 150 in a later BBC report that I saw) but was only rated for 50 passengers. So, it was obviously overloaded, but I think we can picture that this is not the smallest boat in the world.

But, the best part is part about it being a "wooden ferry" and that "its bamboo outrigger broke in heavy seas." There are some things I think I can be thankful for, and one of them is that in our part of the world, we have phased-out all of those 100-passenger ferries made of wood that had the defective bamboo outriggers.

Besides, I often find myself contemplating the process of getting the right number of vehicles on each side when we are loading our auto ferries here in our region. That made me think just how unfortunate it would be for everyone on the port side to suddenly jump off the boat. Not to minimize the tragedy -- but an incident like that could certainly ruin the best-laid plans.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

That does tend to shed a little different shade of light on this story, doesn't it? Still a tragic loss, no matter how you look at it...

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

Dec 17, 2008 10:47:28 GMT -8 D'Elete BC in NJ said:

That does tend to shed a little different shade of light on this story, doesn't it? Still a tragic loss, no matter how you look at it...

After reading BryanK's post, I started looking for some more information. I came across this page which has a photo of the "ferry", and I use that term loosely, after it overturned.

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www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jSweMiMNLjIYHpM9eZYaugVU83pAD9536IP80

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Crammed ferry capsizes in Philippines, drowning 23

An overcrowded ferry capsized just short of its destination in rough seas in the northeastern Philippines, causing terrified passengers to leap into the sea, officials said Monday. At least 23 people drowned.

Thirty-three others are still missing after the wooden-hulled Maejan, traveling from Calayan islands in the Luzon Strait, encountered strong waves and currents Sunday evening.

The eight-hour journey to buy Christmas food and other supplies turned into the country's latest sea accident after the boat flipped over just about half a mile (kilometer) from its destination in Aparri town in northeastern Cagayan province, police said.

Senior Inspector Alex de los Santos said some of the nearly 100 passengers jumped into the chilly water after waves broke the ferry's bamboo outrigger, causing it to bob wildly.

He said coast guard and navy vessels, backed by air force helicopters, were searching for 33 people still missing, but bad weather was hampering the effort.

"They panicked and grabbed anything like water containers that will keep them afloat then jumped off the boat," de los Santos told The Associated Press by telephone.

He said most of the 46 survivors swam to shore in Aparri, where police and villagers found them shivering close to midnight.

The dead — including a 1-year-old boy and a town councilor — were taken to funeral parlors, where relatives gathered to identify them. No one claimed the boy's body.

"There were no relatives. Most probably his parents perished with him," de los Santos said.

Coast guard chief Vice Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo said the ferry was authorized to carry only 50 people. He said criminal charges will be filed against the owner and surviving crew members of the 28-ton Maejan.

Hours before the ferry capsized, three children fell into the sea as the vessel was lashed by huge waves, Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis said. Two of the children were plucked out alive, but it was not clear if they survived the capsizing, said Llopis, who lost 10 of his relatives in the disaster.

Many of the passengers from his town of 17,000 people were traveling to Aparri, about 270 miles (430 kilometers) north of Manila, to buy food and other goods ahead of Christmas, Llopis said.

"There'll be no festive mood," Llopis told the AP. "Many of the dead were breadwinners."

Tropical storms, badly maintained boats and weak enforcement of safety regulations are often the cause of sea accidents in the sprawling Philippine archipelago.

The state weather bureau has warned of an approaching storm from the Pacific with winds of up to 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour. But Tropical Storm Dolphin was still away from the eastern Philippines and no alert was issued for ships to stay in port.

Last month, a cargo ship sank in rough seas north of Cagayan, and passing vessels plucked 16 of 20 people from shark-infested waters. Weeks earlier, separate storms capsized two passenger boats in the central Philippines, drowning more than 50 people.

[Starsteward]

We may not always agree with our Federal maritime regulators, ie, Transport Canada etc and what we may percieve as their nit-picky rules and regulations, however, just as we were often critical of our 'over-regulated' banking system, in view of recent events on the maritime scene and the world-wide financial crisis, maybe our systems have stead us in safety's stead.
Canada is a world leader in many areas of regulations that we in Canada often think are too conservative but perhaps we lead the way in implementing practical conservativism in many of our policies.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10200.html

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Bookings being taken for new Rosyth ferry service
Full steam ahead for resumption of direct sailings from Scotland...

Norfolkline has announced that it can accept booking for their new Rosyth-Zeebrugge service which is due to start on May 18, 2009.

Passengers can now make booking online at www.norfolkline.com. The ship will depart from Zeebrugge, Belgium every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 18.00 CET and from Rosyth, Scotland, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 17.00 GMT.

Kell Robdrup, Managing Director of the Ferry Division, said:

“The opening of web booking is a key milestone in our plan. We have received many enthusiastic response and valuable suggestions in the last few months. We know our customers are eagerly waiting for this announcement. Norfolkline is a committed ferry operator and our goal is to provide safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly crossing to customers.”

Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“The launch of the booking service is great news for passengers, tourists and businesses who can now plan their travel with confidence.

"With our year of Homecoming just weeks away, this is a major boost. Visitors from Europe can now make plans to join in our Homecoming celebrations.

"We have a unique opportunity with Norfolkline to get the ferry off to the best possible start through encouraging friends and family from Europe to travel to Scotland using this new ferry service. Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland, particularly during these challenging economic times. In the six years this route has been operating, it has carried nearly one million passengers, 4.2 million tonnes of freight and made a significant contribution to Scotland’s tourist industry.

"I wish Norfolkline, Forth Ports, freight operators and the many passengers who will sail the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, all the very best."

Denise Hill, VisitScotland’s Head of International Marketing, said:

“Car tourers from the key European markets of Germany, France and the Benelux countries have long been a very important source of visitors for Scotland. We are delighted to be working with Norfolkline to promote their Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service to ensure that these travellers continue to exploit the opportunity of a direct crossing and maximise the number of nights they spend within our borders.

"It is particularly important that the ferry service starts in May next year, during the year of Homecoming Scotland 2009, when we look forward to welcoming an even greater number of visitors from Europe eager to join us in our year of celebration.”

Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive, Forth Ports PLC, said:

“This is a significant announcement for both Scottish tourism and hauliers in Scotland – on May 18, 2009 Scotland will re-establish its direct ferry link with the continent. It comes at a time when every effort should be made to encourage economic activity. With a direct ferry link, Scotland can once again promote its world renowned tourism centres to a much wider audience while hauliers can look forward to reduced transport costs and faster access to continental markets. These benefits are being achieved in a way that is friendly to the environment.

"We will be continuing to work with Norfolkline, the Scottish Government and wider stakeholders to ensure that the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service is a success story in 2009.”


Norfolkline say the construction of their new ship is in good progress:

"The combination of advanced engineering and sailing at economic speed will make crossing comfortable and more environmentally friendly. Facilities on board include 109 en-suite cabins, the Unicorn Bar, Alba Restaurant, wide screen cinema, on board shop and children's play area.

"Norfolkline’s Rosyth-Zeebrugge service is the only direct link between Scotland and the Continent. Our ferry service is ideal for family and travellers who enjoy the freedom of driving.

"Our well located terminals in Rosyth and Zeebrugge provide convenient access to major tourist destinations in Scotland and on the Continent."

Details on freight booking will be advised in January, 2009.

The new vessel is under construction in the Visentini Shipyard in Italy. It is believed to be one ordered by Epic Shipping in 2007. The photo shows the latest newbuild from the yard ordered by Epic and chartered to ISCOMAR. Details of the new ferry seem not to have been released by Norfolkline, but Shipping Times hazard a guess that the Rosyth ferry will not be too dis-similar.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/16002/british-ship-fined-over-fresh-algeciras-spill

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British ship fined over fresh Algeciras spill

The owners of the British-registered 'Ropax-1' have been fined €400,000 euros by the Spanish Development ministry for contaminating Algeciras Bay.

The ship slipped its moorings in storms last Saturday evening and collided with a fuel distribution buoy pertaining to the Cepsa oil refinery anchored roughly two miles off shore.

After the collision, which occurred at 9.20pm, the ship was towed into Algeciras port, where a one-metre crack was detected in its hull, but which did not breach the fuel tanks, indicating that it is highly unlikely that it caused the spill.

For its part, a Cepsa representative has confirmed that the buoy also only suffered minor superficial damage and could not have been responsible for the large quantity of oil globules that began to wash up on beaches in Gibraltar and Cádiz the following morning.

The 'Ropax-1', which has a Rumanian captain and a crew of around twenty, had been immobilised in Algeciras Bay since November 25th following its detention by Málaga port authorities for anchoring, without authorisation, in Spanish waters off Estepona coast, and a subsequent inspection, which revealed "several breaches of international maritime safety regulations."

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10202.html

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Drydock for BEN MY CHREE in New Year
Four days in dock to fix fouled propellers...

The Steam Packet Company's Ben-my-Chree will be going into dry-dock from Tuesday 6th January to Friday 9th January, 2009. It is planned that she will return to service for the scheduled Liverpool Birkenhead sailings on Saturday 10th January.

As a result of the damage sustained earlier this year when her propellers became entangled in fishing gear, it has now become apparent that this unscheduled dry-docking is necessary. The damage incident was raised with the Department of Transport at the time, and was found to be due to visiting fishing boats indiscriminately placing their equipment in the approaches to Douglas Harbour. Action taken by the Department will ensure that this problem should be minimised in future.

During the dry-dock period, the Viking will re-enter service to cover scheduled daytime passenger services to Heysham. There will be no overnight passenger sailings, however, a freighter is being chartered to ensure continuity of service for freight customers.

The Company is contacting passengers on all the affected sailings to advise them of the situation and rearrange bookings as required. Passengers for whom alternative arrangements offered are unsuitable will be offered the option of a full refund.

Mark Woodward, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said: “We would not be taking this action unless we felt it was necessary. It is especially frustrating as the damage to the stern tube seal was caused by visiting fishing boats placing their equipment in the approaches to Douglas Harbour. It is vital that we repair the problem now in order to prevent more major and lengthy repairs in the future. The first week following New Year is a traditionally quiet period for us, and allows us to undertake the necessary work with the minimum disruption to services. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

marinelink.com/Story/ShowStory.aspx?StoryID=213938

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Hornblower Contract for Trinidad Ferry Fleet

Hornblower Marine Services (HMS) announced that the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO), a Trinidad and Tobago state owned enterprise, has awarded HMS the contract for the Trinidad passenger fast ferry fleet in the southern Caribbean.

“The Water Taxi Project of the National Infrastructure Development Company is intended to reduce traffic on the heavily traveled North-South corridor between Trinidad's two largest cities,” said Hornblower Vice President of Operations Gary Seabrook. “The service is commuter-oriented and will begin operations with four high-speed passenger vessels with four additional vessels added over the next two years as other routes are included to the service. Hornblower Marine Services, Trinidad-Ltd. will operate the ferries on behalf of NIDCO and is pleased to be following up our Bahamas Fast Ferries experience with a second Caribbean opportunity.”

The four-boat operation will route from Port of Spain to San Fernando. There will be one large vessel holding up to 400 passengers with three smaller vessels carrying up to 150 passengers each. Each water taxi trip will last approximately fifty minutes. The ferry service is scheduled to begin in December, 2008.

(www.hornblowermarine.com)

[Low Light Mike]

Dec 22, 2008 9:51:43 GMT -8 D'Elete BC in NJ said:

Hornblower Marine Services (HMS) announced that the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO), a Trinidad and Tobago state owned enterprise, has awarded HMS the contract for the Trinidad passenger fast ferry fleet in the southern Caribbean.

No relation to me, in case you're wondering. ;D

[Mill Bay]

And you thought being on the Queen of Vancouver was perilous.


Holyhead ferry crashes into port

Dec 31 2008 by Rachel Owen, Holyhead and Anglesey Mail

PASSENGERS were left baffled at Holyhead port this Christmas, after a hole appeared in the side of their ferry.

The festive travellers returning from Dublin to Holyhead on Saturday say they were kept in the dark when the Jonathan Swift ship bumped into the side of the quay, leaving a large hole.

The Irish Ferries fast ferry late afternoon crossing went bump in the night while docking.

Regular traveller, Justin Roberts of Penygroes near Caernarfon was aboard the service, returning from collecting his three young children from Dublin.

He said: “There was no apology made to us.

“We were all inside the boat when it overran the docking bay and crashed, it ground to a halt and we were all left confused.

“It was quite frightening for my son, he knew something was wrong, he is only eight and is scared to travel on it again. The younger boys didn’t know what was wrong.

“People remained calm and thankfully nobody was hurt, but it was dark and conditions were windy.

“Crew members did not keep us informed though, we were left none the wiser.

“I wonder whether there will be an investigation. There should be.”

Passengers hoping to travel before and over New Year will be changed from the fast one hour 49 minute service to the Ulysses cruise ferry, a slower service which takes three hours 15 mins.

Mandy-Louise Evans, of Valley, who was booked on the service to spend New Year’s Eve in Dublin added: “My friends and I were counting on the fast service.

“These things can’t be helped, but all Irish Ferries can and should do is tell passengers the score and sort the problem as soon as possible.”

A PR spokesman for Irish Ferries said repairs will take over a week, but the incident was an accident.

They added: “We can confirm that the Swift bumped off the quay wall at Holyhead Port on Saturday, December 27.

“The incident was high above the water line but with the aluminium structure, bruised easily.

“For this reason, repairs are necessary and the crossings are cancelled until and including Monday, January 5.

“Staff are now working hard to methodically transfer passengers onto the Ulysses as an alternative route, with as little upheaval as is possible.”

[Northern Exploration]

Daily ferry sinking in the third world.

Agence France-Presse
Published: Monday, January 05, 2009

Accidents and Disasters

Boating Accidents

At least two people drowned and another 20 were missing after a crowded ferry capsized yesterday in a river in eastern Nepal, police said. "The bodies of two people have been recovered some five kilometres downstream near the Indian border and around 20 are still missing," police officer Chakra Basnet said. "The number of the people on board has remained sketchy, but some of the survivors said the number was around 40." About 10 passengers were rescued and seven others swam to safety, said Mr. Basnet, who was involved in the rescue in Sunsari district, 230 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7810256.stm

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Ferry capsizes in eastern Nepal
At least 35 people, mostly women and children, are believed to be missing after a ferry capsized on a river in eastern Nepal, local officials say.

The accident occurred in Sunsari district, about 200km (125 miles) south-east of the capital, Kathmandu.

Officials said the vessel was carrying more than 50 people when it went under, and several had been rescued.

Police and fishermen have been searching for other survivors but fog and cold weather have hampered efforts.

One official said the ferry was overcrowded.

Correspondents say travel by boat in the district has become necessary because many roads and bridges were damaged by flooding during the monsoon season.

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news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7811260.stm

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Hunt for missing from Nepal ferry
Rescuers are still searching for passengers from a ferry that capsized in eastern Nepal on Sunday.

Three bodies have been found and 17 people rescued but the number missing is unknown - reports said the ferry was carrying between 20 and 50 people.

The accident occurred in Sunsari district, about 200km (125 miles) south-east of the capital, Kathmandu.

Police said poor visibility due to fog had caused the boat to strike an object and overturn.

Clampdown

Sunsari district police inspector Dambar Tamang told the BBC there had been no contact with the boatmen and their fate was unknown.

A lack of roads in Nepal means that boats are a common form of transport

At least five people have been reported missing by relatives.

Local boatmen have joined teams from the police and the army in the rescue.

Police said a third body was reported to have been found but this has not yet been verified.

After the incident the administration in Sunsari said it was clamping down on any boats found to be over capacity.

The BBC's Ishwar Rauniyar in Kathmandu says there are rules in place on how many passengers boats can carry but they are often ignored by owners.

Our correspondent says boat travel has become more necessary after roads were damaged following the collapse in September of the Saptakoshi embankment near the Indian border.

The collapse caused massive flood damage to parts of Nepal and India's Bihar state.

[Northern Exploration]

Three minutes slow . Did the tortoise or the hare win? We will see who is more accurate the Beeb or the French. ;D

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

My bet is CNN will have it the most screwed up as it has nothing to do with sex scandals in US politics.

[Northern Exploration]

CNN won't cover it because they won't have live footage of it "happening right now" "breaking, unfolding as we speak" in Wolf Blitzers "Situation Room". Besides someone will have to first remind them that Nepal is where Everest is so they can find it.