Industry News
Third Superfast to Tasmania
Jul 2, 2003
Sydney Morning Herald
Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon announced the purchase of Superfast II from Greek operator Attica Enterprises. This will be the third Superfast ferry transferred to the TT-Line fleet. The all-in cost for purchase, refit, dock modifications and delivery is reportedly $AUD 105 million.
The Tasmanian Government is gambling that tourists would prefer to sail from Sydney to the island state with their car, rather than fly.
Rhode Island Christens new Catamaran Ferry
Jul 2, 2003
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) christened the new high-speed catamaran ãOcean Stateä that will start operating between Providence and Newport on July 4th. Officials said the new catamaran will reduce the ferry trip from 70 to 45 minutes.
ãThe new boat provides faster and more comfortable service than we were able to offer previously. Itâs a great travel option and itâs going into service at just the right time, when our roads are most heavily congested with summer traffic.
Austal USA Launches Circle Line Vessel
Jul 1, 2003
Austal USA launched its sixth vessel on June 28, 2003. The 43 metre passenger catamaran is to be delivered to Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. (Circle Line) in July. The New York-based company transports thousands of passengers to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island each day.
ãZephyrä will be the well-established operatorâs first aluminium high-speed vessel. The new catamaran meets Circle Lineâs requirements for a vessel capable of fulfilling a number of different roles.
IMO Grants Consultative Status to Interferry
Jun 29, 2003
At the June meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London the IMO Council granted Consultative Status to Interferry. This status allows non-governmental organizations to participate in the discussions at committee level.
Minoan Wary of Italian Bid
Jun 29, 2003
From Lloydâs List (www.lloydslist.com)
Italian shipowner Romano Artioli extended an olive branch to Minoan Lines at the Greek ferry operator's general assembly in Crete at the weekend.
Pim de Lange Speaks out on UK Port Plan
Jun 29, 2003
From Lloydâs List (www.lloydslist.com)
Development of the proposed £32m ($52.8m) Outer Harbour at Great Yarmouth would be the "mistake of the century", ferry boss Pim de Lange told delegates at the Haven Gateway Partnership's annual meeting last Friday.
Mr de Lange, Stena Line's area director for the North Sea and Interferry President, said the development, for which East Port Great Yarmouth is seeking substantial public funding, together with the proposed ro-ro service linking Yarmouth and Ijmuiden in Holland, fo
Austal USA Sells its first Vehicle-Passenger Ferry
Jun 26, 2003
Austal USA has secured an order for the construction of a 58 metre vehicle-passenger ferry from Milwaukee-based Lake Express LLC.
The aluminium catamaran will be the largest vessel so far constructed at the companyâs purpose-built shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
The Auto Express 58 will set a number of firsts for the US shipbuilding and ferry industries, including:
ð The first high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry to operate in the continental United States;
SeaFrance places order with Alstom Marine
Jun 26, 2003
From ShipPax Information (www.shippax.se)
French ferry operator SeaFrance has placed an order for a cross-channel ferry with domestic shipbuilding group Alstom Marine/Chantiers de l«Atlantique.
Due to be completed by February 2005, the ship will be specially adapted to the route between Calais and Dover.
Learning to Shun the Smorgasbord Buffet
Jun 22, 2003
From Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
Michael Grey
MORE years ago than I can remember, I wrote a rude column about the standard of catering aboard cross-Channel ferries, which during the 1970s was about as good as one would find in the average transport "caff", which is precisely what they were.
Some gallant souls in Townsend-Thoresen, who obviously had learnt from the Thoresen bit of the company, had fitted a "Smorgasbord buffet" into their restaurants.
Provocative Advert from Italian Operator
Jun 19, 2003
From Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
GRANDI Navi Veloci, the Italian cruise ferry operator, this week launched an advertising campaign reminding potential clients of the dangers of holidaying on board ageing ships.
A tag attached to a can picturing a sunken rust-bucket reads: "Consume before the end of 2002." The accompanying blurb reminds safety-conscious Italians: "Ferries can go off too." Not all ferries, the press release reads, can boast excellent safety facilities.