Industry News
Ferry Environmental Victim
Aug 31, 2010
From Cruise & Ferry Info (ShipPax Information)
The US ferry BADGER has been given a deadline before which she has to convert her machinery, or she will be stopped in 2012 due to dumping coal ash in Lake Michigan. BADGER is one of few remaining coal-fired ferries still in active service. The city of Ludington, which is connected with Manitowoc on the other side of the lake by the ferry service, has been seeking a USD 14 million federal grant to repower the historic ferry, built in 1953, to diesel engines. Competing fast ferry operator Lake Express (Milwaukee - Muskegon) says that should the coal-fired ferry get grants, it would "provide an unfair market advantage". Both companies are reluctant to provide statistics of their services, however latest figures points in the direction of 100,000 passengers a year each. BADGER as well as the catamaran LAKE EXPRESS are also able to carry vehicles.
Capacity Reduced on Dover Straits
Aug 23, 2010
From Lloyd’s List
LD Lines is ending its Dover-Boulogne passenger service as an estimated 40% overcapacity on the cross-Channel routes fuels a rates war. P&O Ferries has already warned of possible job losses, while state-owned SeaFrance continues to trade after being placed in administration by a French tribunal which is assessing two alternative strategies for the company. LD Lines, the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs subsidiary, will operate its last Dover-Boulogne passenger ferry on September 5, but LD Lines is examining whether to launch a reduced frequency freight-only service on the route.