Clipper Navigation News

Ferry industry trade group Interferry announced Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu as the new Chair of its board of directors. He was elected at the association’s annual general meeting on October 27 - held virtually due to COVID-19 travel restrictions - in succession to John Steen-Mikkelsen, former CEO of Denmark’s Danske Faerger. The meeting also confirmed the appointment of a new director extending Southeast Asia representation on the board.Mathieu, an Interferry board member since 2010…

FRS Caribbean has launched its new passenger vessel service from Miami to the Caribbean destination Bimini, Bahamas. The new service, which began September 23, 2016, transports passengers for a two-hour crossing aboard the high-speed catamaran (HSC) San Gwann with daytrip prices starting at around $70. San Gwann, part of the FRS Caribbean Fleet, can host up to 427 passengers with comfortable seats. It is equipped with a bar-counter in both passenger decks, where passengers can enjoy refreshments and snacks during their voyage and a duty free shop to end a getaway with some mementoes and gifts.

MarineNews spoke with industry experts to get an overview of the passenger vessel market as it stands today, including a legislative update and business leaders’ insights on pricing, ridership and vessel construction and renovation. Actions in Congress this year provided a mixed bag for passenger vessel operators. Because of the new tax law, private operators will be able to take advantage of an immediate 100% depreciation deduction for capital investments made in 2011. Also,…

Anyboat Marine Electronics has received ABS certification as a radio technician external specialist to conduct GMDSS radio station surveys, for ABS classed vessels. ABS approval included a review of Anyboat's Quality Assurance System, an audit of their facilities and a practical demonstration of services. Clipper Navigation, Inc. and John J. McMullen Associates have agreed to combine their operations to provide comprehensive ferry consulting services focused on high-speed ferries for North American markets. The joint venture, operating under the Clipper-McMullen banner, will provide a range of services from initial operating concepts through vessel selection and acquisition.

Compared to Europe, North America doesn't have too many international ferry operations. The last one between the U.S. and Mexico failed in January after only a few weeks running. In the Pacific Northwest, however, Washington State, Clipper Navigation, Black Ball Transportation and the Alaska Marine Highway Service all operate international services connecting the U.S. with Canada. This means meeting U.S. and Canadian, as well as international safety regulations, and keeping abreast of such new international regulations as the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS). All five of Seattle-based Clipper Navigation's vessels in international service now have their ISM Code documentation in place. At the home office this totals up to 25 volumes on the shelf.

In terms of new deliveries, the West Coast ferry industry will probably not see another period to match the past 18 months for some time. All three of the large government-operated ferry systems in the Pacific Northwest - Washington State, BC Ferries and the Alaska Marine Highway System - received new tonnage, as did a number of smaller operators along the coast. Still under construction are two high-speed vehicle-carrying catamarans for BC Ferries and a single passenger-only high-speed cat for Washington State. In addition, the Nichols Bros. yard at Freeland, Wash. is completing a 40-knot catamaran for operation between southern California and Catalina Island, and a second 35-knot cat for deployment in Alaska by the Brad Phillips organization.