Ferry Safety in the Developing World
A convergence of forces makes for market opportunities for new safe ferry systems in the developing world. Need, policy, and funding are poised to provide a moment of opportunity. The expanding global economy has resulted in economic and population growth in developing world cities, resulting in horrendous road congestion. In response, governments and businesses have begun planning for intra-urban ferries wherever possible. Ferries in the developing world have a deserved reputation for being unsafe.
Incat Crowther Launches 59 ft Cat Passenger Ferry
Incat Crowther launched a 59 ft Catamaran Passenger Ferry for Victorian operator Inter Island Ferries. MV James Grant is the fourth vessel Incat Crowther has designed for the operator. This vessel is the first passenger ferry to feature Incat Crowther’s latest hull form, implemented on recent successful work boats. Performance is excellent with a top speed of 27 knots at full load with only 339kW. The vessel will carry 100 passengers, with boarding via side gates aft. Across the aft bulwark is a large luggage rack. The aft deck also features 2 WC compartments and stairs to the upper deck.
New Paintjob for Sullom Voe Tugs
The five bright red tugs operating at the Sullom Voe Terminal are soon to display the blue and white corporate colors of their new owner. Shetland Towage, a company wholly owned by the Shetland Charitable Trust, was incorporated into the Shetland Islands Council's ports and harbor operation on February 10, in a bid to streamline operations at the harbor and to cut costs. The first of the tugs is expected to be back in the isles from dry-docking in late June, when it will be sporting a blue hull and white superstructure, similar to the look of the council's fleet of inter island ferries. (Source: Shetland Marine News)
Shetland to Cut Ferry Costs
Shetland Islands Council may set up an arms length company to run its inter island ferries in a bid to stave off potential competition on the route, while saving the authority $1 million over three years. Councilors will decide whether to implement proposals put forward by a working group which has spent the past year examining ways of improving the SIC's expensive ferry service. Proposals include setting up a private firm to run the ferries, employing crews through an offshore company and reducing staff at the ferry operations center, at Sella Ness. Consultants Strategic Transport Solutions (STS) have advised that the council could save money by creating an independent company which would not have to maintain wages at local authority levels through the single status agreement.
