DFDS Commits to Battery-electric Vessels on the English Channel
Danish shipping company DFDS announced it has committed to investing in battery-powered vessels to help decarbonize the maritime traffic across the English Channel.Following a meet between French Minister for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Olivier Becht and CEO of DFDS, Torben Carlsen, in October, DFDS said it will invest in the innovation and technology necessary to and deploy a fleet of battery-powered vessels in the English Channel by 2030.“We have…
Incat’s High Speed Ferry Anti-Piracy Plan
Incat’s new 367.5 ft ferry for LD Lines, the Norman Arrow, currently runs to the United Kingdom from Tasmania. In order to be prepared for the unlikely event of a boarding attempt by pirates, one of two Masters on board, Captain Guy South comments, “We locked every door and padlocked all the void spaces and access to the cabin was restricted to the port aft door only. We also posted an extra lookout aft throughout the high risk area. “The Norman Arrow’s speed was increased from…
Latest Incat Catamaran Acquired by LD Lines
Incat announced the acquisition of its latest 367.5 ft high speed catamaran by France’s LD Lines. The largest ever fast ferry to operate on the cross channel routes between England and France will enter service between Dover and Boulogne on 29 May 2009. The new fast ferry will be the first-ever freight carrying high speed vessel to operate across the Dover Straits and LD Lines becomes the first-ever French ferry company to operate high speed ferries on the short sea routes from Dover.
Master Convicted for Going the Wrong Way
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency issued a Press Notice stating that the master of a cargo ship pled guilty to entering and proceeding over 14.5 miles in the wrong direction in the Dover Straits Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The maneuver caused one vessel to take evasive action and resulted in six close quarters situations. The master was fined £14,000, plus £6,042 costs. (HK Law).
Master Prosecuted for Wrong Crossing
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that the master of a cargo vessel was fined £500 and ordered to pay costs of £500 for violation of the Collision Regulations. When the master crossed the southwest lane of the Dover Straits TSS, he failed to cross at approximately right angle, even when reminded of the obligation by the Channel Navigation Information Service. (HK Law)