01/30/15
Raising the Costa Concordia: the Story
Crowley Maritime Corporation has just published an in-depth promotional piece telling the fascinating true story of the salvage of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in Italy.
The report covers just about everything there is to know about the historic job, from detailing those involved and the 5 project phases of the salvage, to the impact on the Island of Giglio and the efforts to restore the environment back to its original state.
See here....
01/29/15
Carnival Cruise Line: Lower Fuel Costs To Lift Profits In 2015
Miami
The collapse in global oil prices has led to a myriad winners and losers within the U.S. and global equity markets.OOver the past 12 months, shares of the three leading cruise liners have risen far less than the 4 leadingU.S. airlines, and there has been far less talk of the industry's benefit from lower oil prices than we believe isdue. And in this write-up, we wish to highlight one cruise liner in particular that we believe will benefit from themeaningful decline in fuel prices that has occurred in the 2nd half of 2014:
Carnival (NYSE:CCL).Carnival, the world's largest cruise liner in what is in effect an oligopolistic market, is set to see meaningfulbenefits from lower fuel prices in 2015, more...
01/28/15
Shipping Environment: Ship Owners switch en masse to low-sulphur fuel
The European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) have released the results of a late 2014 survey to assess how shipping companies were planning to address the new sulphur emissions regime that began on 1 January. Of 39 shipping companies that responded to the first survey, which was concluded last November, 97% said they would be switching to low-sulphur fuel as a quick fix to the introduction of the 0.1% sulphur requirement. The majority of responses to the survey (61.5%) came from Swedish, Dutch and French companies.
Nearly 44% of respondents, whose replies were treated confidentially, said they would increase freight rates, mainly because of the higher cost of fuel. The corresponding increase in rates proposed varied between 1-15%.
In the longer term, an equal number (15%) said they would be installing scrubber technology or switching to LNG fuel. In both cases, companies ranked financial and technical problems as the most serious issues they faced.
"However, we'll have to wait for subsequent editions of this quarterly survey to assess the impact on volume loss, customer behaviour and modal shift," ECSA secretary-general Patrick Verhoeven told IHS Maritime. This company survey, conducted on behalf of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum, will be repeated in the next few months.
01/22/15
Viking Line: ECAs Regulation still post a problem
Helsinki
For Jan Hanses 2015 is all about getting used to operating within an emissions control area, The ceo of ferry firm, VIKING LINE, has six of his seven vessels sailing in the new Baltic ECA which came into being on January 1. These ships are now running on marine gas oil, the cost of which will hit the line for an additional EUR10-15m this year alone, according to Hanses. Viking Line’s 2013-built Viking Grace is the exception to the rest of the fleet. It is the first vessel on the Baltic Sea – and the first large passenger vessel in the world – to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Hanses reckons green solutions for shipping are still few and far between.
“Scrubbers require considerable investments,” he says, adding that they are still not a relevant solution in their current form.
Viking runs routes between Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Åland combining different types of cruises and conferences with service and freight traffic. The additional costs come at a time where revenues have become, in Hanses words, “strained”.
Despite a record 6.6m passengers last year tough market conditions still prevail, not made any easier by the adverse economic conditions in Finland which have effected the pattern of consumption. During 2014 this had a negative impact on net sales revenue per passenger.
“In our region, the northern Baltic Sea, there is overcapacity for the moment and the competition between the ferry operators is tough,” Hanses admits.
01/20/15
Norwegian joint effort to ensure green coastal shipping
Høvik,
Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Mæland and State Secretary for Climate and Environment Lars Andreas Lunde signed a declaration of cooperation with key players in the Norwegian coastal shipping industry today. This declaration aims to ensure that Norway has the world's most environmentally friendly fleet of coastal vessels.
In the future, LNG and battery power are projected to comprise a considerable share of the fuel used by the global fleet. Norway already has a leading position in this field and has a good environmental and business starting point to more broadly implement these new technologies. DNV GL has now taken the initiative to launch a Green Coastal Shipping programme, a joint effort by industry and authorities to ensure that in the future Norway will have one of the world's most environmentally friendly and efficient coastal shipping industries.
"We can achieve this if we want to. There are many examples of incentives driving forward a green shift. The technology is there, but we have to scale up its use considerably in order to maintain our international position", says DNV GL's Deputy Group CEO Remi Eriksen.
Both the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Climate and Environment are supporting these efforts.
Shipping industry well equipped
"The shipping industry is very well equipped to lead the way in the green shift. This can contribute to exports of good, future-oriented and environmentally friendly solutions. I'm sure DNV GL's expertise and experience in shipping will help to maintain Norway's position as a world leader in the maritime industry," says Monica Mæland, the Minister of Trade and Industry.
"This year, the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris is to negotiate a new climate agreement that will entail new obligations and the implementation of new climate measures. For this reason, more ships must use environmentally friendly fuels, such as gas and battery power, and we must see more ships with new energy-efficient designs. The green shift in the maritime industry will both resolve environmental challenges and create value," says Tine Sundtoft, the Minister of Climate and Environment. The declaration was signed on her behalf by State Secretary Lars Andreas Lunde.
"We envisage a fleet of offshore vessels, tankers, cargo, container, bulk and passenger ships, ferries, fishing and aquaculture vessels, tugs and other coastal vessels, run entirely or partly using batteries, LNG or other green fuels," says DNV GL's Narve Mjøs, who is the programme director for the Green Coastal Shipping programme.
Joint effort
The Green Coastal Shipping programme has been developed to help implement the government's new maritime strategy and will be a joint effort by several industries, ministries and state departments. The programme will provide an important contribution to the achievement of both national and global climate goals and will also help to reduce air pollution. At the same time, it will be a driver for innovation and green workplaces. In time, it is also expected to provide major export opportunities for the maritime, energy and supplier industries.
"We want to make Norway a world leader in, and a showcase for, green coastal shipping and to attract international attention," says Narve Mjøs.
In cooperation with the parties, a programme plan will be established, describing the programme's activities in detail. The declaration has been signed by a total of 18 companies and organisations, together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Seafood policy and Ministry of Climate and Environment. Narve Mjøs underlines that more parties are highly welcome.
About DNV GL
Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers in the maritime, oil & gas, energy and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.
01/18/15
Cruise Lines Spearhead Efficiency Drive
Increasing environmental awareness amongst customers is a growing challenge faced by cruise lines whose ship efficiency and sustainability strategies are directly in the spotlight. But leading lines in the sector continue to pioneer a range of new initiatives.
The most obvious driver in ship operators’ pursuit of greater efficiency is the cost of fuel and, indirectly, the nature of the charter contract and therefore who pays the bunker bill. But other factors are at work too.
Generally, it appears that those who manage more expensive maritime assets – container ships, gas carriers, chemical tankers and vehicle carriers – are more receptive to change than others. This is another puzzle, however, as all have much to gain. more...
01/15/15
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Introduces the new MS Seven Seas Explorer
New York
With a one-of-a-kind, opulent 3,875-square-foot suite, extravagantly designed lounges and showplaces, and lavish gourmet restaurants, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is setting a new standard for luxury vacations with the launch of Seven Seas Explorer.
At 56,000 gross-registered tons and carrying just 750-guests, the all-suite, all-balcony ship will boast the highest space ratio in the cruise industry, and is designed to be the most luxurious ship ever built, with every inch of the vessel evoking elegance and grace. With its debut in summer of 2016, Seven Seas Explorer will offer guests another exciting option to explore the world with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ signature brand of all-inclusive luxury.
“We set a high benchmark for Seven Seas Explorer, not only to build a ship that far surpasses the current standard in luxury cruising, but to design a ship that will be recognized industry-wide as the most luxurious ship ever,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “This ship will offer our guests a new level of grandeur throughout, from its lavish suites to its elegant public spaces and gourmet restaurants. We cannot wait to share this ship with the world when she joins our fleet in the summer of 2016.”
The maiden voyage for Seven Seas Explorer will be a 14-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Venice on July 20, 2016. The ship will remain in Europe for its inaugural season, sailing 11 voyages that crisscross the Mediterranean and visit sought-after destinations such as Barcelona, Ibiza, St. Tropez, Venice, Istanbul, Alexandria (Egypt) and Jerusalem. more..
01/13/15
VENICE: Ban on Megaships passage lifted
Venice, Italy
The Italian Coast Guard ruling banning cruise ships over 96,000 tons from sailing through Venice’s signature channel has apparently been lifted, according to Italian media reports.
The degree banned big ships from sailing through the Guidecca channel.
The lifting of the ban may not affect traffic this year, as itineraries and deployment are already planned, but could play a factor starting in 2016.
01/10/15
Groupe Eurotunnel seeks buyer for its ferry business
Groupe Eurotunnel acquired the assets of the defunct company, SeaFrance, in June 2012 following anopen and public process.Groupe Eurotunnel subcontracted the operation of the ferries Rodin, Berlioz and Nord-Pas-de-Calais to anindependent company, the SCOP SeaFrance.Operations began on 20 August 2012 and in 2014, MyFerryLink, the maritime business owned by theGroup achieved its objectives with close to 400,000 trucks and 350,000 cars transported.The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) recognized the validity of the case put forward by the Group and,independently, by the SCOP but decided that these were not sufficient to overturn again the decisiontaken by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), published on 18 September. This decision isillogical. It reduces competition across the short straits and it is contrary to the interests of free trade. TheCAT is forcing Groupe Eurotunnel to withdraw from this activity.Groupe Eurotunnel is proud to have created a competitive and respected cross-Channel ferry brand in justtwo and a half years and with no support whatsoever. Groupe Eurotunnel congratulates the SCOP, itsmanagement and staff for their professionalism and the quality of their service.In view of the requirement to cease operations within six months, which has been confirmed, and torealise the value of the work achieved Groupe Eurotunnel will now seek a buyer for MyFerryLink.Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Eurotunnel stated: “MyFerryLinkis an operating and commercial success. We are proud to have succeeded where so many others havefailed. Given the position of the British authorities, the future of MyFerryLink will now be determinedoutside the Group”.
01/10/15
American Cruise Lines: plans new fleet of River Boats
Guilford, CT
American Cruise Lines (ACL) announced today its plans for the construction of a new fleet of modern riverboats. The concept for the new riverboats will differ from that of the line’s existing paddlewheelers and coastal ships by offering a more contemporary approach to their design.
Modern exteriors and spacious, elegant interiors are planned. The new riverboats will feature open deck plans to allow for maximum exposure of natural light and unobstructed viewing for guests. Glass-enclosed lounges with panoramic views, spacious, well-appointed staterooms with large, furnished balconies, and a variety of outdoor public spaces are planned.
The new-design riverboats are in addition to the Victorian-style riverboats American Cruise Lines is currently building, which include the American Eagle, a new paddlewheeler for the Mississippi River nearing completion at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD.
01/10/15
Norwegian Cruise Line Holding: Frank del Rio appointed new CEO
New York
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLHhttp://www.thestreet.com/quote/NCLH.html) shares are down 2.1% to $45.66 in trading on Friday after the company named a new CEO after the current chief executive "decided to leave the company."
The company appointed Frank Del Rio as its new CEO, who replaces Kevin Sheehan as the top executive for the Miami, FL-based cruise line. Del Rio was previously the chief executive at Prestige Cruises International, which Norwegian Cruise Line purchased in November, and is the co-founder of one of Prestige's subsidiaries., Oceania Cruises. Apollo Global Management (AGM) owns nearly 50% of NCLH shares.
01/06/15
Important Cruise Passenger Safety Provision Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, DC
The President signed into law this week a Coast Guard reauthorization bill that includes a key provision ensuring the public has access to important safety information they need prior to booking a cruise. This provision was one of several cruise passenger safety provisions included in legislation Congresswoman Matsui introduced last year, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA).
The bill language transfers the responsibility for maintaining the cruise vessel crime data website from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation and requires a number of changes to ensure the website is user-friendly and includes all important data. Specifically, it requires the website to be updated quarterly and sorted by cruise line. The website will be required to identify each cruise line by name, identify each crime committed or allegedly committed by a passenger or crewmember regardless of the status of the investigation, and identify the number of individuals alleged overboard.
“This is an important victory for cruise safety advocates and for the millions of Americans who have taken a cruise or are considering one in the future. While cruise ships are billed as safe, family-friendly vacations, the reality is that crime happens onboard these ships just as it does anyplace else,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This key provision from the Cruise Passenger Protection Act will ensure that anyone considering a cruise can easily view a more accurate number of crimes that occurred on each cruise line, and the nature of the crime. This is a huge step forward toward transparency and ensuring the safety of cruise passengers.”
“The members of ICV are deeply indebted to the many members of the House and Senate who have been dedicated to the protection of cruise ship passengers. The Coast Guard Reauthorization Act will help to bolster and strengthen the existing CVSSA which Congresswoman Matsui authored in 2010 by increasing the public’s awareness through the quarterly publication of additional safety information and crime data. All of the victims of cruise ship crime and negligence who for years, have taken their impassioned stories to Congress can breathe a bit easier thanks to the unwavering support of Congress Members such as Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Poe who like us believed in the irrefutable rightness of this cause. We are indeed grateful on this historic day,” said Kendall Carver, chairman of the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV).
Congresswoman Matsui is a long-time advocate for improving safety and security aboard cruise vessels. She authored the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2010, requiring the cruise industry to comply with a number of security and crime reporting provisions. Last year, she introduced the CPPA, legislation which would build on the passenger safety measures put in place by the CVSSA by clarifying and strengthening the crime reporting and video surveillance requirements. In addition to requiring the website improvements passed today, this legislation bolsters FBI notification requirements when an alleged incident occurs, and strengthens video surveillance requirements to ensure maximum protection for passengers and victims, while taking steps to avoid privacy concerns.
01/01/15
CRUISE SHIPS Newbuldings: CIN orderbook Updated through 2020
The Cruise Ship Orderbook has been updated, now reflecting the recent Celebrity Cruises and Seabourn ship orders and all newbuilds officially confirmed through 2020.