Industry News
Fred Olsen Orders Trimaran from Austal
Jun 18, 2003
Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships and European ferry operator Fred. Olsen, S.A. signed a contract for a 126.7 metre cargo-vehicle-passenger fast ferry based on a new multihull design.
The new hull form has been described as a slender, stabilised monohull or trimaran. Scheduled delivery is the second half of 2004.
Austal has designed and constructed vehicle-passenger ferries since 1994.
Fred. Olsen, S.A.
Norfolkline Orders Ships from Korea
Jun 18, 2003
From ShipPax Information (www.shippax.se)
Netherlands-based Norfolkline has placed an order for two ro-pax vessels at South Korea«s Samsung Heavy Industries.
Greek is new IMO Secretary General
Jun 17, 2003
From Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
Efthimios Mitropoulos has emerged as the landslide winner of the contest for the post of IMO Secretary General.
Greece's candidate to replace the long-serving William O'Neil needed to secure 50% of IMO Council votes in order to beat challenges mounted by Icelandic candidate Magnus J÷hannesson and Nigeria's Monica Mbanefo outright.
Under new rules, the post of Secretary General is initially held by one candidate for four years, a term that can be renewed once.&
Stena Looks to Central Baltic for Expansion
Jun 16, 2003
from Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
Swedish ferry owner Stena Line is assessing the central Baltic as the next area to grow its rapidly expanding European ferry network. Stena Line president Gunnar Blomdahl last month indicated the central Baltic could be the group's next focus after its £50m ($84m) buy-out of a significant part of UK operator P&O's Irish Sea operation.
"Poland is a growing market for us," says Mr Blomdahl.
Russ Peters Appointed to P&O Board
Jun 10, 2003
from Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
P&O's RUSS Peters, one of the giants of the UK ferry industry, has become a main board member with immediate effect, the company said.
Mr Peters, 55, who is managing director of P&O Ferries, joined P&O in 1987 as freight director of P&O European Ferries.
P&O chairman Lord Sterling commented: "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Russ to the board.
SeaFrance Orders New Ship
Jun 9, 2003
from Lloyd's List (www.lloydslist.com)
FRENCH cross-Channel ferry operator SeaFrance has signed a letter of intent with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for construction of a new car ferry for its service between Dover and Calais.
Anti-terrorism Rules Affect US Ferries
Jun 8, 2003
The Associated Press
New anti-terrorism rules being considered by the U.S. Coast Guard could cause huge delays and wreak financial havoc on ferry systems operated out of Washington state, ferry operators say.
At their most extreme, the proposed rules could virtually ground the state's ferry fleet, the largest in the United States.
"At the highest level (of security), it has been suggested the regulations could include screening 100 percent of cars and passengers.
NZ Government proposes partial buy-back of Tranz Rail
Jun 8, 2003
Tranz Rail Holdings Limited (TRH) and the New Zealand Government signed heads of agreement on a joint plan for restructuring and developing the New Zealand railway system.
The proposal is conditional on approval by TRH shareholders.
Under the terms of the agreement announced on June 6, the Government would pay about $75.8 million to acquire a 35% interest in TRH in the form of new shares to be issued at a price of 67c per share.
US Coast Guard Goes Overboard on Ferry Security
Jun 4, 2003
NEW YORK POST, June 2, 2003
Ferry passengers citywide - including tens of thousands of Staten Island riders - will have to go through metal detectors next year as part of a new federal law that aims to tighten security aboard commuter and tour boats, The Post has learned.
Within the next two weeks, the Coast Guard is expected to issue a new list of ant
Interferry Members Lead European Ferry Group
Jun 4, 2003
On May 21st in Brussels, the European Community Shipowners Associationâs (ECSA) High Level Ferry Group, comprising top executives of Europeâs ferry industry, unanimously elected Mr. Alexander Panagopulos, President and Managing Director of Superfast Ferries, as Chairman of the Group. Mr.