March 15, 2018
  • One of ferry operator CalMac’s longest serving vessels is retiring from west coast service. RAASAY served the Sconser to Raasay route for 21 years from her launch in 1976 until increased traffic from the island made her unsuitable. She was the last of eight ‘Island class’ ferries launched and is capable of carrying six cars and up to 75 passengers. RAASAY has now been handed back to owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) who are expected to announce a buyer for the vessel shortly.
  • FRS-owned AL ANDALUS EXPRESS, former NORD PAS-DE-CALAIS, has been chartered to ARMAS. She is needed as a replacement for a number of drydockings.
  • Ro-pax ferry ANDREAS KALVOS from Zante Ferries has been sold to Kefalonian Lines.
  • Ro-pax IONIAN SKY, laid up since a very long time, has been sold at auction to a Cypriot company.
  • The Kiel – Oslo ferry COLOR MAGIC got fined because of a multiple breach of the sulphur regulations. The measurements were done in Denmark, on the Great Belt Bridge. Color Line does not agree with the fine (of NOK 600,000) and filed a complaint. Apparently technical issues were at the basis of the problem, like malfunctioning exhaust analysers and a lack of water intake due to obstructions caused by shells.
  • Irish Ferries’ JONATHAN SWIFT is to be renamed CECILIA PAYNE for Baleària. She will enter service on June 1, between Denia and Ibiza – Palma.