EXPRESS seeks new operator
The former P&O catamaran is being offered for charter for the third time in as many years by fast ferry brokers Maatsuyker, following this years charter to Viking Line. Her season this year was cut a few days short on 17 October, instead of 22 October, due to “technical problems” understood to have been be an engine related. While it is believed that EXPRESS (which sailed under the marketing name Viking FSTR) carried some good loads, it appears that she didn’t generate enough revenue in service. This is possibly due to the much smaller shopping facilities she has in comparison to the other vessels on the Helsinki to Tallinn route on which she operated.
LE RIF return to service delayed
The former STENA GALLOWAY/GALLOWAY PRINCESS now looks unlikely to be in service before December. Her owner/operator DWLM had originally expected to have her in service during September.
POETA LOPEZ ANGLADA
The former STENA NAVIGATOR/SEAFRANCE MANET/STENA PARISIEN/CHAMPS ELLYSEES remains in service for Balearia.
VIA MARE
The former EUROPEAN PATHFINDER / JAGUAR of P&O remains in service for Akgünler Denizcilik between Taşucu (Turkey) and Girne (also known as Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus), as well as Taşucu and Tripoli (Lebanon).]
IBN BATOUTA
Theres still no further information on the former STENA ANTRIM/ST CHRISTOPHER. It appears she is still laid-up in Durres (Albania) with no visible work having occurred on her in the 2 years she has been there.
PORT LINK
Better known as STENA CALEDONIA/ST DAVID in these parts, ASDP’s (PT Angkutan Sungai dan Penyeberangan) PORT LINK continues to operate across the Sunda Strait in Indonesia on the busy Merak to Bakauheni service.
BARI
The Belfast built vessel, previously known as STENA CAMBRIA/ST ANSELM continues to operate from Bari (Italy) to Durres (Albania) where she berths close to her laid-up sister IBN BATOUTA (see above).
ARROW
The Seatruck freighter, which is on charter to the Isle of Man Steam Packet as a backup freight vessel, recently returned from a sub-charter with Channel Islands operator Condor Ferries to provide refit relief for Northlink. However, she returned to Condor on the morning of 30th November following technical difficulties with COMMODORE GOODWILL.
JETLINER
The former P&O fast-craft collided with the shore at Kendari (Indonesia) on the evening of 23rd November, badly damaging the port office in the process. Passenger statements indicate that the vessel suddenly veered off course while at speed. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and NIFS understand that JETLINER has already returned to service following inspection by the relevant authorities.
(original source http://maritimebulletin.net/2017/11/23/ferry-ran-onto-shore-destroyed-port-office/ via the NI Ferry (and shipping) Enthusiasts Facebook group.
TITLE IMAGE: F/B BARI (ex St Anselm/Stena Cambria) at sea. Ventouris Lines
