February

Due to problems at the norwegian Kleven shipyard, Hurtigruten will not take delivery of the 530-passenger Roald Amundsen until 2019. Guests who have bookedwill get a full refund, including cancelled flight costs, the company said. In addition, it is offering discounts on alternative Hurtigruten expedition sailings.  Roald Amundsen's first voyage is now expected to depart on May 3 from Lisbon.  

"We are sorry to confirm that the delivery and introduction of the world’s most advanced, modern and environmentally friendly expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen, will be delayed until 2019. Kleven yard, where the highly advanced vessel is currently under construction, has informed us that due to the complexity of the project, they will need more time to complete the vessel and will not be able to deliver her on schedule," Hurtigruten stated.

The Marseille Administrative Court of Appeal upheld the judgment of 23 February 2017, recognizing the injury of Corsica Ferries, reports Corse Net Infos (in French).
The subject of the dispute was the aid paid between 2007 and 2013 to the former SNCM and the CMN.

On February 23, 2017, the Bastia Administrative Court had ordered the Collectivité de Corse (CTC) to pay € 84.3 million to Corsica Ferries in compensation for the damage caused by the payment of subsidies.

This aid, considered illegal, made it possible to provide an additional service for the transport of passengers during peak periods within the framework of the DSP (Delegation of public service).

Corsica Ferries, then, seized the European Commission and obtained, in April 2016, the cancellation of the DSP.
In a judgment delivered on February 15, the Administrative Court of Appeal of Marseille confirms the payment of indemnities.

Satisfied with the judgment, Pierre Mattei, CEO of Corsica Ferries, sees two mistakes committed by the CTC.
1) Illegal subsidies in 2007.
2) In 2013, when it did nothing to recover the € 220 million in illegal aid received by SNCM that should have paid back. It will now be a question of precisely assessing this damage. The CTC already announced to accept the verdict.

Port of Akureyri, which had promised to accommodate smaller ships closer to the centre of the town is investing EUR 5 million in constructing a new pier that will open for business next year.

With a length of 130 metres and depth of 9 metres, it will be able to accommodate ships under 10,000 GT. Equipped with Wi-Fi, it'll be just 100 metres from the town centre. 

Port of Akureyri is looking forward to another bumper summer cruise season, with increases in both the tonnage and the number of cruise ships calling at the North Iceland port.

Visits have increased from 124 up to 138 year on year. Passenger numbers are also expected to rise by 10% this current year, bringing the number of cruisers to 130,000.

A highlight of 2018 is the arrival of MSC Meraviglia with 167.600 GT the largest cruise ship to ever have visited the Port of Akureyri. List of ship visits in 2018 here...

Dubai is determined to remain the cruise capital of the Middle East, undertaking a major redevelopment and expansion of its facilities at Port Rashid and the recently announced Dubai Harbour, and now it wants to better-target the luxury cruise sector too.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum, Esam Ahmed, commercial manager at Mina Rashid and Mina Hamriyah ports for DP World, said the plans were part of a range of upgrades to the port’s cruise infrastructure. more... 

For the first time in the history of cruising in the United Arab Emirates, a total of seven cruise lines will homeport in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the upcoming 2018/19 cruise season from November to March.

Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises and newcomers P&O and Pullmantur will all be offering 7 to 10 and 14-day roundtrip cruises from Dubai, while Celebrity Cruises will be cruising roundtrip from Abu Dhabi.

UAE during 2018/19 season

For the first time in the history of cruising in the United Arab Emirates, a total of seven cruise lines will homeport in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the upcoming 2018/19 cruise season from November to March.

Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises and newcomers P&O and Pullmantur will all be offering 7 to 10 and 14-day roundtrip cruises from Dubai, while Celebrity Cruises will be cruising roundtrip from Abu Dhabi. more...

ince early 2015, a mid-sized car ferry, the MS Ampere, has been traversing the Sognefjord in western Norway from early morning to evening, seven days a week — without a whiff of smokestack exhaust or a decibel of engine roar. The 260-foot Ampere, which carries 120 cars and 360 passengers, is the one of world’s first modern, electric-powered commercial ships, with battery and motor technology almost identical to today’s plug-in electric cars, only on a much larger scale. 

Currently, Norway has just two fully operational electric-powered ferries. But another 10 will be christened this year, 60 by 2021, and by 2023 the country’s entire ferry fleet will either be all-electric or, for the longer routes, equipped with hybrid technology, experts say. Moreover, Norway’s top cruise ship operator will soon launch two expedition cruise liners with hybrid propulsion that are designed to sail the Arctic. Several Norwegian companies have teamed up to construct a coastal, all-electric container ship that could eliminate 40,000 diesel truck trips annually. Eidesvik Offshore, a firm supplying offshore oil rigs, has converted a supply vessel to operate on batteries, diesel, and liquefied natural gas. 

more...

The International Maritime Organization intends to ban ships that do not have equipment to strip sulphur from carrying fuel that has a sulphur content above new limits in 2020, an IMO official said on Thursday.

The ban, which still has to go through two formal approval steps, was presented at IMO compliance meetings earlier this month. It would make enforcing the new limits on sulphur in shipping fuels significantly easier, cutting into the expected rule-breaking. "There wasn't that dissent, and that implies there will be general support," Edmund Hughes, the IMO head of air pollution and energy efficiency told a panel at International Petroleum Week in London.

 "There is no reason to have non-compliant fuel oil on the ship" if you don't have equipment to remove the sulphur, Hughes said. He added that the rule was important in order to ensure a "level playing field globally". IMO committees will vote to formally approve the rule, which would take effect on March 1, 2020, at meetings in April and October, Hughes said. 

Coming IMO rules will slash the amount of sulphur emissions that ships worldwide are allowed to burn from 3.5 to 0.5 percent by 2020. The change is the most significant for the global shipping and refining sectors in decades, and most are divided on issues ranging from which fuels ships will use, to how many vessels will try to break the rules. 

Ships that install "scrubbers" to remove sulphur from fuel as they are burned can continue to use high-sulphur fuel oil, but the new IMO regulation would make it illegal for ships without them to even have the higher sulphur fuels in the tanks that provide fuel to the engines. 

This would make it far easier for any country to enforce the new rules, as they would no longer have to prove that the vessel had in fact burned the fuel in its engine. How many ships break the rules has significant implications for demand, and industry estimates of how much of the world fleet will try to break the rules has ranged from less than 10 percent to as high as 40 percent.|

American Cruise Lines, is pleased to announce a brand new Colonial Holiday cruise aboard American Constitution. Round-trip from Baltimore, departing December 23rd only, this festive 11-day cruise will highlight both Christmas and New Year’s as it travels along the Line’s immensely popular American Revolution itinerary in Chesapeake Bay.

Guests will enjoy the magic of the season as American Constitution transports them to the quaint towns and historic cities that shaped this great nation and continue to inspire visitors today.

Throughout the Colonial Holiday cruise, guests will be dazzled by fireworks displays, festivals of lights, illuminated boat parades, and joyful Christmas caroling. Christmas day will be spent in Colonial Williamsburg where the Fife and Drum Corps will give special musical performances celebrating American independence. The cruise will also feature a memorable New Year’s Eve gala onboard and traditional holiday meals with all the trimmings.

The ship will be decorated with festive décor and special holiday shore excursions are planned. Passengers can participate in a special hometown holiday gift exchange and onboard fun from Christmas cookies to commemorative photo booths.

All American Cruise Lines’ Holiday cruises include a complimentary night on board the ship before sailing, with a welcome reception and special holiday dinner. The Colonial Holiday cruise makes stops in Norfolk, VA; Williamsburg, VA; Yorktown, VA; Washington, D.C.; Mount Vernon, VA; Cambridge, MD; St. Michaels, MD; Annapolis, MD; and Chestertown, MD.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will add a second ship to its fleet with the Grand Classica, which enters service from West Palm Beach on April 13, the cruise line said.Reservations for Grand Classica opened on Tuesday with a special Buy-One, Get-One Free booking offer, the cruise line said in a statement, as guests can reserve one sailing on either ship and get a second sailing on the other ship for free.

Bahamas Paradise will be the only cruise line to offer daily departures to Grand Bahama Island from the Port of Palm Beach becoming the largest provider of tourism to the Island, the cruise line said.

“At 52,900 gross-tons, Grand Classica complements Grand Celebration nicely. There are several additional public spaces – so we are excited to add some new offerings, as well as bring all the popular outlets that we have on Grand Celebration for consistency with our guests,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “Having two ships sailing daily to Grand Bahama Island will also give our guests the flexibility and convenience to take advantage of a two-night getaway any day of the week. Our daily departures also add a number of options to our unique Cruise & Resort Stay offering, with guests able to add any number of nights at a Grand Bahama Island hotel.”

The Classica underwent a major refurbishment in 2014. In October 2017, a comprehensive drydock took place to improve systems and infrastructure, complemented with refurbishments and improvements to ready the ship for the U.S. market.

Eight dining venues include The Yellow Elder, the main dining room; Admiral’s Steak & Seafood; The Rock Grill; A Slice Above; The Grand Café; The Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill; The Ocean View Buffet and Room Service.
www.bahamasparadisecruise.com/

With the push to reduce local impacts from increased traffic and vessel emissions, dozens of potential solutions are being developed including alternative fuels. But, new fuels often require expensive changes to on-board systems and machinery. Furthermore, considerations need to be made around local and global availability, production techniques, and safety concerns. 

The holy grail for the shipping industry would be an easily accessible fuel, that can be introduced without significant increase in costs or modifications to facilities onboard the cruise vessel. With no such fuel in sight, the industry looks to develop alternative options available today or in the foreseeable future such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels.

Alternative Fuels

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a clear, odorless, and non-toxic liquid, formed when natural gas cooled to -162C (-260F). It is considered the world’s cleanest-burning fossil fuel today and as such, LNG has received the largest share of attention in forms of investment and development since the trade first began in 1960’s. more...

Electric Power

The environmental benefits for embracing electric power are fairly obvious and include reductions in noise and vibration, and decreased emissions such as NOX, SOX, and PM. “This is particularly important in ports, populated coastal areas and environmentally delegate destinations. Norway is an exciting place to follow right now as it offers a glimpse into what the future will bring for cruise and ferry vessels in terms of electric.  more...

Fuel Cells

The use of fuel cells as an eco-friendly ship propulsion has also received a lot of attention from organizations such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The technology represents another dramatic step forward for the maritime industry in green innovation.

Fuel cells produce energy using an electrochemical reaction, rather than combustion. The process converts fuel directly to electricity and heat, increasing operational efficiency. Water is the only waste product, so they cause less pollution and eliminate emissions. more...

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

One of the technologies that are already available today is exhaust gas cleaning systems. There has been a strong focus on reducing sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from maritime vessels for some time now due to the harmful impacts on the environment and human health. This is where exhaust gas cleaning system benefit the industry and is also one of the techniques that vessels are using to stay Tier III compliant, especially as it has no limitations to the size of vessel that can benefit from it. more...

As published in the February 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering 

www.marinelink.com/news/transition-ecotrends434130

Ulsteinvik, NorwayMS Roald Amundsen, the world's first hybrid expedition ship, was traditionally launched on Saturday at Kleven Shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway According to Hurtigruten, the ship is packed with eco-friendly solutions and green technology, among others with big batterypacks. The Maiden voyage is scheduled for August 2018.

Onboard there will be custom built expedition equipment, a separate research center, several restaurants, an infinity pool and a large outdoor deck where guests can enjoy the spectacular nature.

The new building is measured at 20,900 GT, 140 meters long, 23.6 meters wide and can accommodate 530 guests and 151 crews.

The ship will be put into service in August 2018, the sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen, which is currently being built at the Kleven shipyard, will follow in 2019.

MS Roald Amundsen will take guests to the Antarctic, Svalbard, Alaska, through the Northwest Passage in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen - and on expedition rides along the Norwegian coast.

2018 meets 1964! MS Lofoten welcomes MS Roald Amundsen.
 
MS Lofoten has sailed on the Norwegian coast since 1964 and is the oldest ship in the Hurtigruten fleet. MS Roald Amundsen was put on the water for the first time on Saturday, February 17, during a ceremony at Kleven Verft.

MS Roald Amundsen is the first of the two Hurtigruten ships to be built with new and environmentally friendly hybrid technology.

MS Lofoten: Length: 2,621 GT - 87.4 m - Width: 13.2 m - Draft: 6.7 m - 400 Pax.

STX France shipyard announced that the first sea trials of Symphony of the Seas had been successful.

The sea trials took place from February 15 through February 18, where almost every system onboard was tested. The ship is currently in its "completion phase", meaning it is getting prepared for delivery to Royal Caribbean in late March.

Symphony of the Seas' sea trials included more than 80 hours of sailing which covered 1,000 nautical miles off Belle Isle.  During the trials, the full range of ship’s systems were activated at sea, with most being already adjusted and presented for commissioning to Royal Caribbean and the classification society.

STX France reported each and every performance goal had been reached.

Another short sea trial will need to be scheduled before delivery.

Symphony of the Seas will spend the Summer months cruising the Med, based in barcelona, before heading to Miami later in the year.  With measuremnt of 228.000 GRT is she the larges Cruise ship in the World!

The opening of  Queen Elizabeth 2 as a luxury floating hotel and museum has apparently moved a step closer.

“Coming soon,” runs the tagline on a new website – qe2.com – that went live earlier this month. It ambitiously promises a “new take” on hospitality and a "royal experience" for Dubai. Email requests send via their Website have not been reponded to.

There’s no official launch date yet or definite mention of a hotel on the website, but work on the famous ocean liner is at an advanced stage at Port Rashid where it has been docked since 2008. 

Some refurbishing on the QE2has been undertaken by the Shafa Construction group. In a post on its website (here), Shafa group stated that since 2015, 110 persons have been working on a 32,000 square meter portion of the ship on behalf of DP World, the Owner of the famous Liner.

“With the decks fully lit at night, the new website appearing last week, and new signage at the ship, it does look like there might finally be an end in sight to our long 10-year wait for QE2 to open,” he told The National via email. “However, we will wait for her to actually open before we believe it.” Rob Lightbody runs The QE2 Story website, which looks to preserve memories of the ship.

John Podaras, a hospitality expert in Dubai, believes a QE2 Hotel can offer a different experience, but there are many challenges.

"It's not enough to anchor a ship and turn it into a hotel. It needs something that is a great deal more compelling," he said.

“The obvious value of the QE2 has to be its real estate value – selling off units that can then either be used as second homes, or put back into a leasing pool acting as a hotel (sale and leaseback),” said Mr Podaras, who is a partner at Hotel Development Resources in Dubai.
SOURCE: The National

“Our goal is to have the cleanest fleet at sea.”Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages’ president and CEO.

Virgin’s eco-conscious approach to its first ship is a reflection of Branson’s own interest in environmental conservation, McAlpin said. “He lives in the Caribbean so he’s surrounded by water,” McAlpin said. “He’s very much focused on not only energy conservation but overall environmentality. Every decision that we make is filtered through that.”

Indeed, this vision has guided even more minute choices. The ship will primarily feature energy-efficient LED lighting. The handrails will be made of aluminum rather than teak, which is commonly used on cruise ships and a cause of deforestation. The company is also considering banning water bottles on board.

Sustainability is at the core of the new ship’s look: The hull was designed to be as hydrodynamic as possible, a decision made with efficiency in mind. “The biggest savings we can generate is by making the ship sleeker through the water,” Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages’ president and CEO, told MarketWatch. “That’s millions of dollars in savings in terms of less fuel consumed.”

But the ship’s structure is just one part of Virgin’s eco-friendly approach to its new ship. The conglomerate inked a deal with Climeon, a Swedish start-up, to integrate technology that captures the heat produced by generating power on the ship and converts it back into energy. Virgin Voyages also has an agreement with Scanship, a company that creates waste management systems, to explore a system that would allow the cruise vessel to collect and burn waste on the ship to produce even more energy. That energy would then be used for everything from powering the ship’s propulsion to keeping the lights on, McAlpin said.

Virgin Voyages will be the first to use Scanship‘s Pyrolysis System, but the key product that microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) creates is syngas, a mix of combustible gases that can be collected and used elsewhere.  So for Scanship, finding a way to properly deal with any shipboard waste in a way that would reduce a vessels need to send anything ashore would be a winner. Waste storage and disposal is expensive. Finding a way to convert it to energy became a serious goal.

The company is no stranger to pyrolysis. One of its existing products, a garbage incinerator uses partial pyrolysis (i.e. limited oxygen). It started looking at waste to energy in 2006, but it was not until 2011 that it came across MAP as a potential solution. One of the significant factors was the reduce the footprint of a potential shipboard solution.

MAP creates a synthetic gas, oils and a solid waste. The solid waste is a form of charcoal and sometimes called Terra Petra, a fertiliser. The syngas is energy rich and similar to methanol or refined natural gas and can be used in fuel cells, and fed into  boilers and gas turbines to help in electrical production or even propulsion. 

Friends of the Earth periodically publishes a “Cruise Ship Report Card,” that ranks cruise lines based on their efforts to reduce air pollution, treat sewage properly and comply with water quality regulations. They are also graded based on their transparency in responding to requests for information. 

Virgin’s eco-friendly mantra jives with founder Branson’s perspective, but it’s also likely to capture the interest of its core audience: millennials. “The whole package that Virgin is putting together for its cruise appeals to that younger demographic,” said Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor at travel website Cruise Critic. “The millennial generation is interested in the environment, and they speak with their wallet.”
SOURCE: MarketWatch/tahtom

Hydrex of Antwerp in Belgium has recorded an increase in repairs to the pipework and overboard outlets of ships that have exhaust gas scrubbers installed. The trend appears to be linked to the general increase in the number of ships fitted with scrubbers.
As one example, diver/technicians from the underwater repair specialist recently carried out pipe replacements on a series of 270 m shuttle tankers where the wash water from the ‘scrubbed’ exhaust gases had corroded the pipework, resulting in water ingress. By carrying out repairs while the vessels were alongside, the busy tankers were able to remain in operation.

“Scrubber systems remove harmful sulphur oxide (SOx) compounds from the exhaust gases of marine diesel engines that burn high-sulphur heavy fuel oils (HFOs),” pointed out Hydrex production executive Dave Bleyenberg. “However, the resulting residue removed from these gases can have a rapid and highly corrosive effect on the scrubbers’ internal pipework and outlets.”

The fitting of scrubbers to enable the continued burning of HFOs, along with the use of either LNG or low-sulphur distillates as propulsion system fuel, represent the three options available to shipowners as they seek to ensure compliance with the IMO 0.5% global sulphur cap to be introduced on 1 January 2020.

All three options come with associated cost penalties, and before making a final decision a shipowner must weigh up factors such as the price and availability of competing fuels, capital versus lifecycle costs, safety considerations and the regulatory requirements that apply in a vessel’s intended area of operation.

Scrubbers remove SOx from a ship’s exhaust by passing the exhaust gas through a water stream. The resultant wash water is rich in sulphuric acid and must be treated to not only neutralise the corrosive substance but also remove other waste products. Open loop, closed loop and hybrid scrubber systems are available.

Although scrubbers allow the continued use of relatively cheap and currently plentiful HFO, they have significant investment and maintenance costs. Scrubbers are also space-intensive, require additional energy during operation, bring no significant reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions and come with the challenges of water treatment and waste disposal. more...

Celebrity Cruises is growing a greener tomorrow for one of the most spectacular places on the planet, teaming up with Galapagos National Park to plant more than 30,000 trees on Santa Cruz Island, in Los Gemelos, and helping to conserve this pristine archipelago that’s home to flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. With the goal of inspiring guests and collaborators to dive-in to conservation efforts within the region, the public private partnership (PPP) signed in 2014 was made possible over the last three years with the support of 14,300 guests, crew and community at large, far exceeding goals by 150 percent. The efforts reinforce Celebrity’s commitment to the region and the shared passion of guests who sail onboard.  

Among the seeds sown out of the collaborative project are Scalesias, Cat’s Claw, Galapagos Miconia, and Thin-leafed Darwin’s shrub. Reforestation preserves the natural ecosystem in Galapagos and regenerates areas that have been affected by humans and by introduced species. The most planted tree remains the Scalesia trees, as their forests are home to many species of endemic bird, found only in the Galapagos.

“We want to help ensure future generations have the same incredible Galapagos experience with our industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts” said Bernardo Carrillo, Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises. “Our valued guests and employees cherish the unique opportunity to be involved with important programs such as tree planting, which gives them direct contact with nature in this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site. We are dedicated to opening up the world and that includes our commitment to supporting programs dedicated to environmental conservation.”

As a result of the efforts with the Galapagos National Park and collaborative projects like that between the park and Celebrity, ecosystems are being restored and invasive species eliminated. All activities are coordinated by the Galapagos National Park, an institution that provides all its technical and logistical support.  

About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 12 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents incredible cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises are deploying Seven Seas Mariner in Alaska after her 20-day drydock in April 2018, and now they’ve revealed details about the upgrades being made to the ship, which was considered the most luxurious in the world when launched in 2001.

The bow-to-stern refurbishment of Seven Seas Mariner at Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard in France will complete Regent Seven Seas’ fleetwide US $125-million fleet upgrade project, that has seen Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Navigator extensively upgraded last year.

According to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Mariner will re-emerge with dramatic new culinary experiences, elegant new suite designs, and completely renewed modern guest spaces.

She will immediately reposition to the Pacific Northwest after the refurbishment, sailing Alaska out of Vancouver and Seward through the 2018 summer. She’ll alternate between the two departure ports for 7-, 10- and 11-night cruises through the Last Frontier. The 15 cruise itineraries feature a total of 44 free and unlimited shore excursions included as part of the cruise fare.

“Seven Seas Mariner will have been elevated to the highest standards of elegance, and guests will enjoy the highly personalised service delivered by every member of Seven Seas Mariner’s exceptional staff and crew,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Once Seven Seas Mariner completes her refurbishment, Regent’s fleet will definitively be the most luxurious at sea,” he added.

What’s new in the public rooms

Seven Seas Mariner’s pool deck will receive the most comprehensive redesign, with a new open layout and teak flooring throughout. The centrepiece will be a new mosaic-tiled pool, featuring a broad ledge for lounging in shallow water. Guests can enjoy expanded lunch selections, including steaks, chops, salmon, chicken and sausage, offered a la minute from new infrared barbecue grills and new buffet bars at the Pool Grill.

The ship’s atrium, corridors and guest spaces will all receive new carpeting, art, furniture and décor, while the reception area, Coffee Connection, Card Room, boutiques, and the Casino, will all be completely revamped “from the steel up” according to the line. A handsome, remodeled Library will contrast dark-wood bookshelves against cream furnishings, crowned by a glistening copper-adorned chandelier. The shipboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub will receive a soothing new design, featuring pebble-stone tiles and light-wood accents in the treatment rooms. The adjoining fitness and aerobics centre also will see new state-of-the-art machines and equipment.

What’s new in the cabins

Seven Seas Mariner’s staterooms will be upgraded with new décor such as the Regent Elite Slumber bed with plush, padded leather headboard, and private balconies will get new sofas, accent table and new artwork. 

What’s new in the restaurants

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will completely overhaul the dining experience aboard Seven Seas Mariner, with a new sophisticated ambiance and new menu options at the flagship restaurant dded dramatic flair will be created here by grand crystal chandeliers, recessed ceiling lights, sleek, leather chairs ringing intimate tables, and plush cobalt blue drapes accenting the restaurant’s oversized windows.

Compass Rose guests will savour the recently introduced menu, which provides seemingly endless, customisable combinations, making it the largest speciality restaurant at sea.

Regent’s new Chartreuse speciality restaurant will also be installed during the ship’s refurbishment and debut a delectable modern French menu.Compass Rose. 

Already a guest favourite and first introduced aboard Seven Seas Explorer, Chartreuse’s menu of innovative French fare will be complemented with new furnishings, china, flooring and décor elements that together evoke memories of a fine Parisian restaurant.

Additionally, long-time favourite Prime 7 classic steakhouse will receive a facelift and debut an ultra-stylish design, featuring a vibrant blue and tan colour scheme.

The Ocean Cleanup Project is continuing to zero in on its primary target, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, today announcing it has leased space at a former naval station to begin assembling its first giant trash-collecting booms. Its team will start putting them together at the San Francisco Bay site, which will double as a basecamp for a launch that has been years in the making.

The system has undergone numerous redesigns since its inception, but the general idea is to let natural currents push plastic waste into passive, floating arms, which would be strategically located to gather maximum ocean trash. The Ocean Cleanup Project says marine life would be able to harmlessly pass beneath these floating arms.

Today Slat and his team announced that they have signed a lease agreement for a space at the former Alameda Naval Air Station in the San Francisco Bay, which it will use to start putting together the cleanup system next month. Once complete, the 600-meter-long (2,000 ft) contraption will be lowered into the bay so the team can carry out some final in-water tests. It then plans to tow Cleanup System #1 out into the Pacific midway through 2018.

"Next to Alameda's major historical military significance, it was here that the famous car chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded was filmed, and it was home to some of the best experiments of my favorite childhood TV show, MythBusters," says Slat. "We're honored to be allowed to use this site as the assembly yard for the world's first ocean cleanup system. Hopefully, we will make some history here as well."

Source: The Ocean Cleanup

Norwegian Owner of offshore vessels Uksnøy & Co will mount a wave power plants aboard the Geo Barents, a purpose-built Seismic Vessel that has undergone modifications to operate as an Accommodation Vessel in the Renewable Energy Industry.  

The Owner has an agreement with the wave power producer Hydrowave to install wave power plants on board.  The plant is mounted on the ship's sides. The generated electricity is stored in a battery pack and used in the general operation of the ship,

Uksnøy has signed a new contract with Norwegian State-owned Statoil, who for the first time,  requires battery power on boats they charter, in order to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce fuel costs - as the oil companies cover when they rent offshore vessels. Battery on board makes it possible to save energy from wave power plants, and Uksnøy vessel offers a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

Uksnøy & Co has for the last years leased the seismic ship "Geo Barents" as a hotel carrier, ie a ship that is still. It is for that type of operation - ships that are still and used as accommodation and catering, guard and standby vessels - that wave power plants on the ship will be used.

The Uksnøy & Co plant will mount on the left-hand side of the ship, mounted on rails and lifted up out of the water when the ship is sailing.

Geir Arne Solheim is the largest owner and primus engine behind Hydrowave and Havkraft - who owns the invention behind the wave power plant. He has worked with the idea and development of that this technology since 1998. So far, around 20 million kroner have been invested in the development of wave power plants.

The agreement with Hydrowave implies that Uksnøy & Co will be responsible for marketing and sales of wave power in the shipping market.

Wave power concept is based on the waves rolling into the chamber creating air under pressure. When the corrugations return, there is underpressure in the chamber, which in turn turns rotors in the pipeline and fixes the electrons.

The Norwegian Bliss will probably be leaving the covered building dock at the MeyerWerft on Saturday, 17 February 2018.   The float-out is scheduled to start at about 8 am.
Possible delays or changes may be caused by the weather. After leaving the building dock, the Norwegian Bliss will berth at the shipyard's out- fitting pier to be fitted with its funnel.

The ship will then remain in the shipyard port until its passage through the river Ems up to the North Sea, which is scheduled for the second weekend in March. In the meantime, further outfitting work will continue together with testing and acceptance procedures by the ship owners.

At the same time, the approx. 1,600 members of the crew will start their training on board, as the cruise ship will be welcoming its first guests mid April 2018 straight after delivery. 

For the Norwegian Bliss to be able to berth at the out-fitting pier, the first floating section of the AIDAnova that is currently moored here will have to be moved to another berth in the shipyard port.

The second floating part for this ship which is currently also in building dock II in front of the Norwegian Bliss will leave the dock already on 16 February 2018 to berth in the shipyard port.

After the Norwegian Bliss has vacated building dock II, the two floating parts of the AIDAnova will be manoeuvred back into the dock for work to continue.   Due to all the necessary manoeuvres in the shipyard port, Papenburg dock gate will be closed from approx. 4 pm on Friday 16 February 2018 until about 8 am on Sunday, 18 February 2018. 

All times are subject to the weather.  Watch the ship leaving the dock on a webcam at www.meyerwerft.de.

The Norwegian Bliss is rated with 167,800 GRT, measuring 334 metres in length and 41.4 metres in width and offers capacity for 3,998 passengers.  

DFDS just signed a contract with the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for the delivery of two ro-pax ships for our Baltic route network in 2021. The ships will enable us to support our customer’s future growth on routes between Klaipeda and Kiel/Karlshamn.

DFDS continues to modernize and increase its fleet to be prepared for our customers’ future needs  and demands. Today, DFDS signed a contract for the delivery of two large ro-pax ships from the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China. Ro-pax ships are combined freight and passenger ships, and the 230 metres long vessels will each have a capacity of 4,500 lane metres and will be able to carry 600 passengers.

The ships will be delivered from the yard during the first and second half of 2021 respectively and are intended for one of our services between Klaipėda and Germany or Sweden.

“The two ships represent a total investment of about DKK 1.75 billion and will be another welcome addition to our newbuilding programme that already counts four large ro-ro vessels, of which the first is expected to join our network in one year’s time. With their 250 passenger cabins and large, comfortable public areas, the ships will offer a new state-of-the-art travel experience for our tourist and driver passengers crossing the Baltic Sea,” says Peder Gellert, EVP and Head of the Shipping Division.

“The large cargo capacity will enable us to support our customers’ future growth in the Baltic region”.

The ships will be equipped with scrubbers and built to the newest, environmental standards offering the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

“I would like to extend a warm thank you to the DFDS team involved for a remarkable – but also very hard – piece of work securing this contract in China. It has been negotiated for a year with many ups and downs in the process,” says Peder Gellert who was in China along with other members of the negotiations team.

DFDS’ new ro-pax vessels:
Length, overall: 230.00 m
Length, between perpendiculars: 224.50 m
Breadth, moulded: 31.00 m
Breadth, including fenders: 31.60 m
Draught, summer loadline: 7.00 m
Passengers:  600
Crew: 62
Lanemeter: 4500 for trailers and cars
Service Speed: 23 kn
Passenger cabins: 250 pcs
Passenger berths: 690
Crew Cabins: 62 pcs
GT: 54,900
Stern ramps and internal ramps
Scrubber
EEDI compliant
Ice 1c

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University and the Dover Harbour Board has achieved the highest possible rating from Innovate UK, the UK’s technology strategy agency, after it helped reduce traffic congestion, boost efficiency and cut costs for the Port.

The project started in 2016 when the Port of Dover, which handles £122bn-worth of UK trade annually, appointed a graduate of the Kent Business School (KBS), Dr Cliff Preston, to work within the organisation to help it use data modelling and simulationsoftware to operate more effectively.

The work focused on several strands, the most notable of which has been improving how the Port predicts likely traffic volumes to ensure it has enough staff on hand to process vehicles through the port and so minimise the risk of queues forming in and around Dover.

By improving its use of data from various sources, such as live traffic data on the motorways and past traffic levels at similar times, it has drastically reduced the use of Traffic Assessment Project (TAP) that sees freight traffic held outside Dover by a series of traffic lights.

This has not only reduced the impact that freight traffic has on Dover and its residents, but it also means one of the UK’s key import-export hubs is able to ensure goods can move into the UK, or over to Europe, more efficiently.

The traffic simulation model is now also used to help predict the requirement of the French border authorities operating in Dover to ensure traffic through the port is kept moving at all stages.

The quantitative methods used in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership have also been applied in part of the port’s substantive Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project, in analysing the space and plant requirements of the new Cargo terminal and helping the port increase its efficiency and effectiveness.

These successes have seen the project awarded a grade of ‘Outstanding’ by the KTP Grading Panel. Only 10% of KTP projects achieve this grade, underlining the impact the project has had.

The KTP between the University and Dover Harbour Board was set up by Kent Innovation and Enterprise (KIE). 

Spurred on by the success of the partnership, the Port has sponsored an MSc graduate in the School of Physical Sciences to work for their organisation over the next 12 months.

Virgin Voyages, which is set to start service from Miami in 2020, has closed its pre-sale of stateroom slots early, citing demand in a post on social media.

Virgin Voyages opened up pre sales in late 2017, offering potential guests (the company refers to them as “sailors”) the opportunity to book early when sales are opened in exchange for a $500 deposit.

Get On The List....

The Swedish company Processkontroll Elektriska AB has been chosen to build the new shore power installation in the Port of Oslo.

Stena Line would like to connect its ferry STENA SAGA. However, to convert the veteran Stena is seeking subsidies from Enova SF, owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. Otherwise it is not economically sustainable.

On Tuesdays the ship is 10 hours in port. According to the company’s own calculations, the use of shore power every Tuesday will help reduce annual emissions by about seven tonnes of NOx and 300 tonnes of CO2.

Color Line already has two ships connected to shore power. Now the port hopes that DFDS will also opt for cold ironing for its cruise ferries.

MSC Group and Onorato Armatori signed a contract today with Guangzhou Shipyard International Co. GSI and China Shipbuilding Trading Co., CSTC to build four 2,500-passenger, 3,765-lane meter luxury roll-on/roll-off luxury cruise ferries.
The contract includes an option for four additional vessels.

GSI and CSTC are subsidiaries of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

Of the initial order for four: GNV, MSC Group’s Genoa, Italy-based ferry business and the leading operator in the Mediterranean, will receive the delivery of the first and third vessel, a statement said.

Onorato Armatori - MOBY Lines - will receive the second and fourth. Additionally, the two companies will hold options for an additional two vessels each. The first vessel will come into service in 2020.

The official signing ceremony, which took place eon Sunday at CSSC headquarters in Beijing, was attended by Dong Qiang, chairman of CSSC, Pierfrancesco Vago on behalf of MSC Group, Achille Onorato of OnoratoArmatori and ship owner, Matteo Catani, CEO of GNV, HAN Guangde, chairman of GSI, and LI Hongtao, general manager of CSTC.

The luxury roll-on/roll-off passenger cruise ferries are 229.50 meters in length and 32 meters wide with 534 cabins for up to 2,500 people, and can travel at a speed of 23.5 knots. They have been classed by RINA. 

Additionally, the vessels will feature a variety of environmentally friendly features including LNG-ready engines. 

Vago said: “For MSC Group, the order of these highly-innovative, luxury cruise ferries marks yet another milestone in our commitment to China. A country in which we opened our first office in 1998 and today we have 24. Where over the years we built over 70 of our cargo vessels and most of our three million container boxes, all of which while investing over $10 billion in this and other manufacturing. A market in which we partner with some of the best companies in our industry to today handle 10 million TEU’s a year. And where, starting this May, will homeport one of our largest and most modern cruise ships: the MSC Splendida.

“We are particularly pleased to see that the Chinese shipbuilding industry has made such a significant step change over recent times,” added Vago. “It is for this reason that the time has now come for MSC Group to partner with China and its shipbuilding industry also with our ROPAX business. This starts with the construction of the magnificent vessels that we are announcing today.”

Onorato added: “With this signature we have taken another important step towards the creation of a RO-PAX class of ships, something inconceivable until a short time ago, something that is avant-garde and projected towards the future. These two new vessels will not only be the biggest RO-PAX ever built but will also have comfort and technology that will be difficult to copy and we are sure that they will represent the benchmark for the entire sector. Innovation has always been an objective to which the Onorato family has attached great importance, and the ships are the demonstration of how much we desire to improve and make more efficient the transport of people and cargo in the Mediterranean basin."

SOURCE: Cruise industry news

Having flown the coop for a cruise adventure of her own, Harri the stowaway galah, a rose-breasted female cockatoo native to Australia, has been returned to her family by Princess Cruisesfor a joy-filled reunion at the Portside Cruise Terminal in Brisbane. 

The adventure all started as Michelle and Brett Cozzi along with four-year-old daughter Georgia were packing for a cruise vacation. The Cozzi's beloved bird, Harri, was accidentally set free from her cage and flew away from the suburban town of Nundah, Queensland, Australia and presumed never to be seen again. The family was devastated, but little did they know, Harri was about to take a cruise vacation of her own.

Sea Princess, one of Princess Cruises 17 ships, was sailing the Tasman Sea when crew members came across the beautiful bird. Officers had Harri scanned for a microchip, and discovered the bird was the family pet. The officers made her an honorary crew member with her own laminated crew identification card. Harri enjoyed the remainder of her cruise vacation on Sea Princess complete with her own stateroom, daily meals and world-class service.

Meanwhile, as the Cozzi family was enjoying their cruise on sister line P&O's Pacific Aria off Queensland, word was received from Australian Agriculture Department officials that Harri had been found, and to the entire family's shock, was on her own cruise adventure to New Zealand.

Once back on land and awaiting her return, the Cozzi family learned of Harri's fantastic journey. During her 14-day New Zealand cruise odyssey, Sea Princess Environmental Officer Tibor Filipovic was Harri's friendly onboard guardian under the watchful eye of the ship's Master, Princess Cruises Commodore Giuseppe Romano, as they followed the strict biosecurity guidelines that enabled fully fledged Australian bird citizen Harri to return home.

As the journey came to an end, the Cozzi family delivered Harri's birdcage to the terminal where Sea Princess docked, and then waited patiently while Harri received a pre-disembarkation veterinary check, which, as expected, she passed with flying colors. 

"We are very excited to have Harri home because she is a much loved member and indispensable part of our family," Michelle Cozzi said. "We'd hoped for her safe return but after Harri had been gone for a few days, it wasn't looking good. It was amazing to discover she had been found on another cruise ship. It was just the best news possible."

Harri's return is the result of a joint effort by Princess Cruises, the Sea Princess crew, and government authorities on both sides of the Tasman Sea. The groups worked together to ensure biosecurity requirements were strictly followed so that Harri could come home. 

Rogaland County Municipality and NCE Maritime CleanTech’s grant is one of the largest amounts to have been awarded to a single project in the EU’s Horizon2020 research programme. The project will also conduct two studies for the same type of vessel in London and the inland waterways of Belgium.

This project will encourage more battery-powered ferry projects to develop – it is bringing the technology to the high-speed ferry market and as Maritime CleanTech general manager Hege Økland said “It will contribute to making electric-powered high-speed vessels competitive in terms of both cost and the environment.” For example, it will develop new manufacturing methods that will contribute to 25% lower production costs and 70% lower engineering costs.

It highlights the importance of forming maritime clusters in getting projects like this off the ground and winning grants that will allow them to develop such vessels. Maritime CleanTech consists of 75 Norwegian maritime companies and focuses on developing energy efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

And the project spans those further afield – other partners include MBNA Thames Clippers.
This contract will open doors for other electric high-speed ferries to be built and could well encourage other maritime clusters to form to develop similar projects. The four-year project will start in Q2 this year.

At least 16,000 cruise ship passengers may qualify for compensation after eight consecutive voyages on the Sun Princess cruise liner left people feeling "violently ill" — or at least that's what one Australian firm is hoping in filing a lawsuit against Princess Cruises for the string of norovirus outbreaks.

Shine Lawyers announced it is “preparing a large scale action” against Carnival Australia, the operator of Princess Cruises, after thousands of passengers claimed they caught norovirus while attempting to enjoy a nice vacation, Australia’s 9News reported. The eight consecutive voyages leaving from Australia occurred between December 2016 and February 2017. more...

The International Maritime Organization has launched  a new informative web page on the change in the sulphur in fuel regulations that come into force on January 1 2020

The main type of “bunker” oil for ships is heavy fuel oil, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation. Crude oil contains sulphur which, following combustion in the engine, ends up in ship emissions. Sulphur oxides (SOx) are known to be harmful to human health, causing respiratory symptoms and lung disease. In the atmosphere, SOx can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forests and aquatic species, and contributes to the acidification of the oceans.

Limiting SOx emissions from ships will improve air quality and protects the environment.

IMO regulations to reduce sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions from ships first came into force in 2005, under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention).. Since then, the limits on sulphur oxides have been progressively tightened.

From 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50% m/m (mass by mass). This will significantly reduce the amount of sulphur oxides emanating from ships and should have major health and environmental benefits for the world, particularly for populations living close to ports and coasts.

Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the sulphur limit.

www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Sulphur-2020.aspx

On Friday 2 February 2018, the official keel-laying ceremony took place at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China.   This traditional maritime event marks the start of the construction phase of the hull and the exterior parts of the vessel.  

“This is an important milestone in our exciting new ship building project”, said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line, who also took part in the traditional Coin Ceremony where 4 coins (GBP, EUR, SEK and RMB) where placed under the keel-block as a symbol of good fortune.

The new vessels have a planned delivery timetable during 2019 and 2020.  They will be 50% bigger than today’s standard RoPax vessels and this significant investment illustrates a continuation of Stena Line’s successful RoPax concept which mixes freight and passenger traffic as part of its operational business model. 

“Our overall target is that these vessels will be the absolute state-of-the-art when it comes to energy efficiency, flexibility and customer service.  In particular, we are placing heavy emphasis on developing a range of exciting new digital features which will provide our customers with unique additional services connected with their journey as well as developing a new, integrated digital onboard experience”, said Niclas Mårtensson.

The new RoPax vessels will be deployed on the Irish Sea and represent a key strategic investment to continue to further strengthen Stena Line’s business in the region.

“We have a positive outlook on the future and foresee continued growth within ferry transportation so this is an important strategic step in helping us to prepare our business to leverage that anticipated growth”, concluded Niclas Mårtensson.

Technical details of the new vessels:

Length: 214,5 m

Draught: 6,4 m

Breadth: 27,8 m

Car deck capacity: 3,100 lane meter + 120 cars

Passenger capacity: 1,000

Cabins: 175

Engines: 2 x V12 4-stroke diesel (2 x 12,600 kW)

Speed: 22 knots

Built: AVIC Weihai Shipyard, China

About Stena Line

Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry companies with 38 vessels and 21 routes in Northern Europe. Stena Line is an important part of the European logistics network and develops new intermodal freight solutions by combining transport by rail, road and sea. Stena Line also plays an important role for tourism in Europe with its extensive passenger operations. The company is family-owned, was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Gothenburg. Stena Line is part of Stena AB, which has about 15 000 employees and an annual turnover of over 35 billion SEK.

www.stenaline.com

The RMS St Helena will depart on her final voyage from St Helena Island on Feb. 10, 2018, according to a prepared statement.

The vessel is only one of two in the world still to carry the title of Royal Mail Ship.

Better known as "the RMS," the ship served St Helena Island from 1990 and will have completed 268 voyages by the time she is decommissioned.

In addition to carrying passengers in comfort, the "working ship" has been a lifeline to St Helena carrying all the Island’s goods and supplies.

British registered and 6,767 gross tonnes, the RMS originally had capacity to carry 126 passengers which was increased to 156 in 2012.  

The ship can carry up to 92 standard twenty foot containers, including 17 reefers. (Source CIN)

According the the ship manager AW ship Management, the St.Helena will offer cargo service only with 

Voyage 01, 21st February 18 to 10th March 18. Schedule up to January 2019 can be found here...

Meanwhile the vessel is up for sale, on offer by exclusive appointed broker Eggar Forrester Shipbrokers

There is a significant threat to public health from the particulate matter emitted by marine engines as long as fuel oils are the predominant energy source used to power them, according to Dr Ralf Zimmermann of the University of Rostock in Germany, but that threat can be mitigated if fine particle filters are installed on vessels’ exhaust gas cleaning systems.  

Presenting research at the Asian Emissions Technology Conference in Singapore, Dr Zimmermann showed that, while neither scrubber technologies nor low-sulphur fuels are enough to reduce the risk that ships pose to human populations on their own, the addition of fine particle filters to an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) could help to prevent both death and disease directly associated with maritime vessel emissions.

Showing a satellite image of ‘ship tracks’ or bright streaks of cloud forming around the particles emitted in ship exhaust, Dr Zimmermann explained that, while overall shipping emissions are lower than those coming from road traffic, they are more concentrated and have a greater impact on populations in port cities and those living near heavily-trafficked shipping routes.

He cited a landmark study by Corbett in 2007 which found that each year, some 60,000 deaths worldwide are directly attributable to ship pollution.

Dr Zimmermann questioned the approach taken by IMO in regulating ship emissions, noting the lack of regulations on particulate matter and, more importantly, fine particulate matter.

“Are we doing the right thing [by focusing] on fuel, sulphur content and NOx, to really tackle health effects?” he asked.

He said one-third of particulate matter in ship emissions was independent of fuel type and that, under some lower load conditions (70% and 50%), there were higher concentrations of particulate matter in emissions from engines running on both heavy fuel oils and lower-sulphur refined fuels.

Depending on conditions, reducing levels of fine particulates, he said, could be “low or not measurable”. more...

Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik will be the first hydrogen-powered ferry route.
Boreal Sea and Wärtsilä Ship Design have entered into a cooperation agreement on the development of ferry. Wärtsilä said in a press release.

The ferry will be the first in the world where the vessel will use hydrogen as a fuel.
"This will be the first vessel in its high-tech rivalry, fueled by hydrogen in commercial operations, and one milestone for transport solutions with hydrogen from hydrogen," said the company in a press release.

Boreal Sea has already reserved the ship name "Hydrogen".
"The core of the work on the launch of a new hydrogen ferry is largely linked to logistics and bunkering of hydrogen, storage methodology and the development of safe system solutions that combine energy storage and fuel cells against the ship's other systems," says Daily Leader, Ove Wilhelmsen, at Wärtsilä Ship Design.

The plan is to launch a ferry in operation in 2021. The ferry connection will then be operated by two ferries - one full-electric and one hydrogen-electric. Sistemnde will run 50 percent hydrogen.

Before August, the two companies will submit completed solutions and offered to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Norled, Fjord1 and Boreal have all qualified to compete for the development and operation of hydrogen ferries on the connection.

"Hydrogen ferries can be an important solution to meet the requirements for low and zero emission technologies in future, and Boreal wishes to help develop this type of solutions," says Group Leader Kjetil Førsvoll, in Boreal.

The ferry crossing the Hjelmeland Fjord and Ombofjord in Rogaland.

An international appeal is underway to save the Falls of Clyde, a four-mast sailing ship built in Glasgow 140 years ago. International Save The Falls of Clyde Campaign is working in conjunction with the Hawaiian group Friends of Falls of Clyde to get her transported from Hawaii back to Scotland and rebuilt. 

The 285-foot long and 40-foot wide vessel built by shipbuilders Russell & Co. in 1878 has a wrought-iron hull. She entered service as part of the Falls Line fleet - all of which were named after Scottish waterfalls – and she sailed to ports on all continents except Antarctica. 

In January1898, flying the Hawaiian flag, the Falls of Clyde arrived in Honolulu after being sold to an agent of Captain William Matson. He modified the ship’s rig to that of a bark and built a large wooden deckhouse forward and a charthouse on the poop deck. Later registered in the U.S., she carried sugar from Hilo to San Francisco until 1906 when the Associated Oil Company in which Matson had an interest bought her and converted her into an oil tanker. After 10 tanks were added within the hull, she had a carrying capacity close to 750,000 gallons. She also carried molasses from Hilo to San Francisco over the next13 years. In 1921, she was sold to the General Petroleum Corporation who, after de-rigging the ship, then used her as a floating petroleum depot in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Nearly three decades later, she was taken out of commercial service and was on the verge of being sunk to form a breakwater when Honolulu Advertiser columnist Bob Krauss came to her rescue. Supporters and school children raised money to help bring her back to Hawaii, and the U.S. Navy contributed by towing the Falls of Clyde from Seattle to Honolulu in 1963.

Read more....

Scenic’s soon-to-launch “6-star” Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, the company has announced its flagship will be joined by a sister, Scenic Eclipse II. Scenic Eclipse II will further strengthen Scenic’s position as the leading innovator in the cruise industry, setting an unparalleled benchmark in design, luxury and technology.

Launching in 2020, Scenic Eclipse II will embark on her maiden voyage from Athens to Lisbon, before the debut sailing season, which will include the European and Russian Arctic, a region of diverse wildlife and habitat, well suited to discovery by Scenic’s fleet of “6-star luxury meets expedition” ships. 

Building will commence next year in Pula, Croatia, where Scenic Eclipse is currently under construction. Scenic Eclipse II will be of similar design, including 114 all-verandah suites, nine restaurants, eight lounges and bars, a luxurious Spa Sanctuary, separate fitness areas and indoor, outdoor and plunge pools, as well as a marina deck, helicopters and a submarine.

On January 31, 2018, Scenic Eclipse celebrated its float out from the ship yard and with the exterior construction almost complete, the ship is ready to begin the fit-out process. Scenic Eclipse is on target for its debut on August 31, 2018

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 30-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations; two award-winning river cruise lines – Scenic and Emerald Waterways; and the world’s first Discovery Yachts – Scenic Eclipse in 2018 and Scenic Eclipse II in 2020. Award-winning Emerald Waterways' seven Star Ships offer deluxe cruises in Europe, and the Mekong, while Scenic’s 15 Space-Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in the same destinations as well as the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

Viking Line has decided not to exercise its option on a second ship included in its shipbuilding contract with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, Ltd.Viking Line – which made the announcement in a statement – said the option has now expired. No further information was given.

The ferry operator signed a contract last year with Chinese company Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry for a new passenger cruise ship on the Turku (Finland)–Åland Islands–Stockholm (Sweden) route with planned delivery in 2020. The ship – which is currently being built – will be LNG dual-fuelled. The agreement also included an option for another vessel, which Viking Line has decided not to exercise. 

VIKING GRACE:

Norsepower Oy Ltd has signed an agreement with Finnish shipping company Viking Line to install its Rotor Sail Solution onboard the M/S Viking Grace, an LNG-fuelled cruise ferry. The 57,565 GT M/S Viking Grace currently operates in the archipelago between Turku (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden), and is already one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ferries in the global maritime industry. more... 

From its hull shape and coating to the lifts, Carnival Horizon has been made as energy efficient as possible.New cruise ship Carnival Horizon shares many of the same features as first-in-class Carnival Vista but it has two key elements that distinguish it from its sister.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 133,500 gt Vista-class ship, which is being built by Fincantieri, is due for delivery in March this year. The focus on energy efficiency found in sister ship Carnival Vista – delivered in 2016 – has been even further boosted on Carnival Horizon.

An example is how the passenger lifts, manufactured by Schindler, are managed. This is a key distinguishing element from the first-in-class ship, as software is used to decrease energy consumption and increase the lifts’ efficiency. Not only is the system new to the Vista class, but it is the first time that it has been used on a ship. 

Boosting energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is boosted by a steam turbine that recovers energy from the exhaust gas boilers, which would otherwise be lost. It is placed between the engines and generates 1.35 MW of power for use wherever needed, such as to boost hotel power. Fincantieri created and built the steam turbine, which has previously only been used on Vista-class ships within Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet. read more....

Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) Innovative Travel Solutions(ITS) and Ferries del Caribe celebrated the installation of two BorderXpress kiosks onboard its cruise ship, the MV Kydon. This marks a milestone for the industry as Ferries del Caribe becomes the first-ever cruise operator in the world to install border control kiosks onboard a cruise ship or ferry.

The announcement follows a five-month pilot program using two BorderXpress Automated Passport Control (APC) enabled kiosks. The pilot program illustrated the effectiveness of BorderXpress kiosks in expediting passenger processing, while also improving the overall passenger experience by streamlining and simplifying the border clearance process without compromising safety.

Ferries del Caribe’s MV Kydon offers services from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The BorderXpress kiosks can be utilized by U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, travelers utilizing ESTA (Visa Waiver Program), and travelers entering with a B1/B2 or D visa.

“This is a celebratory day for Ferries del Caribe as we become the first in the world to install border control kiosks onboard a passenger ship,” said Néstor González García, President of Ferries del Caribe. “We’re delighted to partner with Innovative Travel Solutions to implement the BorderXpress kiosks, which allow us to modernize our border clearance process and ensure our passengers have an enjoyable and seamless experience on their trip with us.” 

A major differentiator between border control kiosks installed at airports and onboard passenger ships is that the cruise ship kiosks can connect via satellite with secured segregated VLAN for kiosk communication. Passengers using BorderXpress complete their customs declaration onscreen and scan their passport at the kiosk which then sends their encrypted information to a border control agency that returns a government response in seconds. A receipt is then printed from the kiosk which the traveller takes to a border services agent who verifies the document and makes the final approval to allow a traveller into the country.

More than 1,300 BorderXpress kiosks are currently in use at 39 airport and seaport locations. As of December 2017, BorderXpress kiosks have processed over 160 million passengers in 36 language

Guests on three July 2018 departures aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker—the most powerful ever built and bound for the North Pole—will reap the advantages of scientific inquiry and out-of-this-world exploration shared by distinguished scientists, scholars and photographic adventurers. 

specialists in Arctic and Polar cruising, Poseidon Expeditions is hosting four renowned scientists, climate change expert and polar filmmaker aboard 50 Years of Victoryfor roundtrip voyages from Murmansk, Russia, to the geographic North Pole. This icebreaker was purpose-built to pilot scientific and cargo ships to hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic and along the Northeast Passage. The scheduled lecturers and departures are: 

July 8-20 James Balog - This Emmy Award-winning, National Geographicphotographer explores the relationship between humans and nature. Since the early 1980s, he has photographed endangered polar ice. In January 2016, he began production on a feature-length documentary film, Life Tectonic (working title), exploring the environmental effects of the Anthropocene. The film is scheduled to debut in early 2018

July 19-31 - Donald Perovich - This climate change scientist created the Ice Mass Balance Buoy that measures ice thickness and temperature data over time. He uses this data to study the changes in Arctic sea ice cover.

July 30-Aug. 11 - Scott Parazynski and his wife, Meenakshi “Meena” Wadhwa– Scott is a physician and former NASA astronaut. In 2016 he was inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Wadhwa is Director of the Center for Meteorite Studies and Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. She has worked as a science team member for NASA.

Each celebrity guest will offer multiple presentations for passengers and be available during the day in public areas as “ambassadors for exploration” for other passengers to meet informally, ask questions and socialize.

Please see www.poseidonexpeditions.com for complete 2017-18 Arctic and Antarctic schedules, rates and special offers. An 80-page catalog detailing the company’s ships and activities is also available and can be requested online or through any of the Poseidon Expeditions offices.

AMSTERDAM, LONDON
SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, today announced that it has launched a new free-to-access online tool to improve understanding of the current, and rapidly evolving, LNG bunkering infrastructure landscape.
 
Launched from the 6th LNG Bunkering Summit currently taking place in Amsterdam, the new Bunker Navigator Tool utilises member, marine information services, and publicly available data to provide easy access to the latest developments in the global LNG bunkering infrastructure. SEA\LNG’s map-based tool, provides an overview of key LNG bunkering developments and how this growing infrastructure relates to major global shipping routes, traditional oil bunkering ports, and the bulk LNG infrastructure which will provide the foundation for future bunkering services.
 
As the 2020 0.5% global sulphur cap edges ever closer, shipowners must make decisions that remain viable into the future – and choose between a limited number of options; LNG, scrubbers, or low sulphur fuels. SEA\LNG believes that demonstrating – through the newly launched Bunker Navigator Tool – that LNG bunkering infrastructure is available globally and is continually developing will support ship owners’ investments in LNG-fuelled ships.
 
Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president, Tote said: “The coalition’s mission since inception has been to further the shipping industry’s knowledge of the viability and sustainability of LNG as a marine fuel. A key barrier has been a general lack of understanding of current and forthcoming LNG bunkering infrastructure. What we sought to achieve with the Bunker Navigator Tool is a quick, easy-to-access platform that includes relevant, up-to-date, and free-to-access information on LNG infrastructure and bunker development.”

Today, LNG is readily available in bulk at circa 150 locations worldwide, and there is a huge bulk LNG infrastructure of regasification terminals and liquefaction plants globally. Of the world’s top oil-bunkering ports, nine of the top ten offer LNG bunkering, or will do so by 2020. However, it is the movement of LNG from bulk facilities to the ships, more commonly known as the ‘last mile’, where efforts are being concentrated to enable easy access to LNG as a marine fuel.
 
As well as an overview of key LNG bunkering developments, the map-based tool enables access to case studies which describe the bunkering projects being developed by SEA\LNG members at specific locations, with more added as they become available.
 
By addressing the core compliance issue for owners – the fuel their vessels are burning – LNG provides a viable solution for the long term. LNG emits zero SOx, virtually zero particulate matter, and – depending on the technology used – 90% fewer NOx emissions. LNG’s greenhouse gas (GHG) performance represents a major step forward when compared with traditional marine fuels. Utilising best practices and appropriate technologies can result in realistic reductions of GHG by about 20%.
 
Keller concluded: “A collaborative approach to understanding the opportunities – and then tackling the associated commercial barriers – to LNG is crucial to fulfil its potential as an alternative to traditional bunker fuels. The reality is that LNG bunkering infrastructure is expanding at pace, and with the launch of the Bunker Navigator Tool, SEA\LNG hopes to raise awareness of, and build industry confidence in, the rapidly growing global availability of LNG bunkering.”
 
The new Bunker Navigator Tool can be accessed via the following link: https://sea-lng.org/bunker-navigator-introduction/.

Recycled coffee grounds will be used to power famous London Buses.

The perks of a cup of coffee don't have to end when the grounds are dumped in the trash. Used coffee grounds have been used to make warmer clothing, pave roads, capture carbon from the air, and even suck up sewer stench, and now a London-based company has partnered with Shell to turn the leftovers from this human go-juice into biofuel to help run the English capital's expansive bus network.

Bio-bean has been recycling coffee for a few years now, heating homes and buildings with what it calls Coffee Logs – burnable briquettes made of old grounds rather than wood. Coffee-based biofuels have always been a goal too, and now, with the backing of Shell and the fuel blending company Argent Energy, Bio-bean is producing a biodiesel as well as the infrastructure to obtain the otherwise-wasted grounds from around London.  

The companies call the fuel a "B20" blend, and it's made by first extracting oils from discarded coffee grounds. These are mixed with other fats and oils and then blended again with mineral diesel to create a fuel with a 20 percent biocomponent. When this biodiesel is fed into London's buses, it should reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 10 to 15 percent. On top of that, Bio-bean says its facility can process some 50,000 tonnes of coffee grounds every year, which is about a quarter of London's annual coffee grounds waste.

It sounds good on paper, but as with any of these biofuel systems, you have to wonder about the net gain for the environment. Do the effects of shipping all those coffee grounds from cafes and restaurants around the city, as well as processing them in the factory, create more waste and pollution than is saved by recycling the grounds in the first place? 

Of course, it's impossible to know at this point, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't bother at all. This process is still a step in the right direction, and those benefits could be amplified when paired with other environmentally friendly initiatives – if, for example, the trucks transporting the grounds were electric, and the factory was taking measures to cut down its own emissions.

This first stage of the project is set to produce 6,000 L (1,585 gallons) of coffee oil for use in selected London buses. In later stages the companies plan to produce a "pure-blend" that does away with the other fats and oils currently added to the mix.

Sources: Shell, Bio-bean