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Forum Online Timetable for the Fjord Ferries
An online timetable for the fjord ferries, at Kiel in Germany, has recently been developed. MaK Data System has designed the timetable for Schlepp- und Fahrgesellschaft Kiel (SFK) with the aim of providing passengers up-to-the-minute information, available on displays at major landing stages in Kiel Central Station and Laboe, as well as via the Internet. Further locations for displays are also being planned.
The precise system facilitates time planning for ferry customers, who can benefit from live departure time information. Additional features can be viewed on a dynamic chart at SFK's website, such as the different ferry routes, landing stages, and the actual ferry locations
Ship & Boat International, May/Jun 2007
Legislation of Passenger Ships
Different types of passenger ships are facing regulatory or commercial pressures, and the industry is facing up to the challenges, according to Lloyd's Register.
Cruise operators are increasingly investing in the European cruise market, to counterbalance the reliance on the US economy, by earning additional income in euros. There is also a trend for ordering larger cruise vessels, with over 100,000gt becoming common.
Safety aboard cruise ships is currently in the spotlight, following the recent Star Princess fire, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) drafting requirements to restrict the use of combustible materials.
Meanwhile, mergers and acquisitions in the cruise ferry/ro-pax industry have driven a rise in newbuild size and speed within this sector. This is thought to be a reaction to continuing competition from bridge and tunnel alternatives, the loss of duty-free sales in Europe, and escalating fuel costs. These new vessels are often route specific.
Ship & Boat International, May/Jun 2007.
Greek Shipping Community
Shipping sailed into 2007 on a high; nevertheless, the next 12 months are certain to be highly interesting, with arguably no one watching developments with greater attention than the Greek shipping community.
Shipping is a conservative industry, and while Greeks have traditionally been labelled more conservative than most, over the past decade or so a new breed of owner has emerged, focussing on new tonnage rather than second-hand purchases. In parallel, the Greek community has matured into one ready to take on the responsibilities that go with being a market leader.
This has resulted in a readiness to fight for the industry's corner, and while this is something which often finds them at odds with regulators - and with some of their industry colleagues - it has also seen them setting an example when it comes to ship operation and fleet management.
Tanker Shipping & Trade, Feb/Mar 2007
Zero Speed Stabilisation
A strong response from potential customers has been reported by Rolls-Royce in the first few months alter the launch of its retractable fin, stabilisation at rest system for large yachts, with the first order also for installation onboard a vessel exceeding 100 m in length. The company has secured eight orders in total for the new system and reports inquiries from 50 potential customers for a system launched in August 2006. The SAR system's appeal is based on the fact that a new generation of owners and guests are entering the megayacht market who may not have great seafaring experience, and may be discomfited by roll onboard a vessel, even when it is at rest. Rolls-Royce said that owners were increasingly demanding zero speed stabilisation, sometimes as a key priority in their yacht choices.
The Naval Architect, Jul/Aug 2007
Grand Bahama Views LNG Market Positively
The Grand Bahama Shipyard believes that LNG vessel maintenance and repair work will offer the company considerable potential for growth over the next few years. The commercial manager points out that the transportation of LNG in the Bahamas region has only just started to develop, and a substantial growth is expected over the coming years. With the increasing number of ships of this type, the requirement for specialised drydock services is anticipated to expand. In recent years, Grand Bahama has developed facilities specifically for LNG carrier work, and has also put staff through specialised training courses.
Ship & Boat International, May/Jun 2007.
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