DFDS invests £34 million in new environmental technology in 2014

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 August 2013 31 August 2013

In deciding to invest an additional £34.5 million (DKK 300 Million), DFDS is in the process of investing a total of £46 million (DKK 400million,) in new technology that can filter sulphur from ships’ exhaust gases. This is a major step in preparing DFDS for the introduction of new environmental regulations in 2015.

On 1 January 2015, new environmental regulations will come into force which will be of crucial significance to the shipping industry in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel and the entire northern-European transportation network. Under these new environmental regulations, ships operating in these areas will only be able to use oil with a maximum of 0.1% sulphur. Such oil is significantly more expensive than oil with 1% sulphur, which is commonly used today. Fuel prices will therefore become much more expensive and subsequently increase sea transport costs. This could potentially lead to freight being forced onto European roads and result in an increase in road congestion and other environmental problems.

For these reasons, shipping companies have been working hard to find solutions to this challenge. DFDS has decided to invest £34.5 million (DKK 300 Million) in installing scrubbers in eight more of the company’s ships in 2014. A scrubber is an air pollution control device of approx. 70 tons, which can remove sulphur from the exhaust gases produced by ship engines, and the new sulphur regulations allow for alternative solutions that have the same environmental effect as using low sulphur fuel.

DFDS has previously tested a prototype scrubber on a vessel over a period of several years and will this year complete the installment of the new sulphur removal system on three other ships. Thus 12 of our ships will comply with the new environmental regulation, with a total investment of £46 million (DKK 400million,). The installation of scrubbers on another 10 DFDS ships that are compatible with scrubber systems is also being considered.

This means that DFDS is one of the shipping companies leading the way in the preparation for the new environmental regulations.

Joint effort and transition rules required

CEO Niels Smedegaard of DFDS says: “Society and shipping companies like DFDS have a common interest in improving the environment, while simultaneously ensuring that sea transport does not become unnecessarily expensive, which could lead to an increase in shipments being transported on already congested roads. Our common aim is to maintain routes and jobs in the transport network, which help connect the business community. However, sulphur regulations will make sea transport more expensive from 2015 onwards, and this will affect both the shipping companies and their customers.

Not all shipping companies have the opportunity to make the major investment that a scrubber system requires. In addition, only about half of all ships are suitable for having scrubbers fitted. In reality, the much-discussed LNG (liquid natural gas) is only a solution for new ships.”

He adds: “Therefore we must act quickly to find solutions and, preferably, transition rules for the many ships that are not suitable for scrubber installation, possibly through temporary exemptions, if shipping companies contribute to investments in solutions where possible. Secondly, we have to work together in order to ensure the development of long-term solutions, including clear and appropriate rules for the use of scrubbers and rules that provide companies with a secure basis for deciding on investments. Otherwise, it would be financially irresponsible for shipping companies to make such large investments for the benefit of the environment and infrastructure in Europe," says Niels Smedegaard.

Emerald Waterways is now open for reservations

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 August 2013 31 August 2013

Europe’s newest river cruise line officially launched its website, www.EmeraldWaterways.com, and turned on its reservation phones this week (travel agent reservations line, 888-778-6689) as it begins to take bookings for its 2014 inaugural season. Aimed at both experienced travelers and the younger demographic looking for strong value, great pricing, and a near all-inclusive format, Emerald Waterways is offering well-designed eight-to 15-day sailings beginning in April, 2014 at fares that start at $2,255. And to celebrate the launch, the company is offering up to $500 per person savings in airfare costs when Emerald Waterways books the flight and the cruise is booked by October 31, 2013.

Emerald Waterways is the first new European river cruise company to set sail in more than six years and its new ships, custom-built to exceed guest’s expectations, will offer such amenities as a heated swimming pool, a movie theater, two restaurants, and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French Balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system. As well as an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area. Emerald Star and Emerald Sky will each carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy.

Offering exceptional value is one of Emerald Waterways priorities – so all fares include: all transfers to and from the ships; all onboard (and most on shore) meals; a choice of two dining venues; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; WiFi onboard the ship, at least one included shore excursion almost every cruise day and visits to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. And while other operators charge as much as $600 per couple for tipping on a 15-day cruise, all gratuities is just another one of the things included on all sailings, as are port charges that normally range from $200 to $400 per person.

As part of the Scenic Tours Group, Emerald Waterways is also backed by the award-winning expertise of the world’s leading luxury river cruise operator. Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; consumer reservations line, 855-222-3214; and travel agent reservations line, 888-778-6689, go live on or before August 21 while digital brochures will be available on or before September 1. Brochure orders may be placed on the website with delivery expected later in Sept.; a digital downloadable brochure version is expected to be available from the website by the second week of September.

Holland America and Seabourn name Taylor SVP of fleet operations, Grausz to leave the company

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 August 2013 30 August 2013

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Keith Taylor, retired, has been named senior vice president, fleet operations, for both Holland America Line and Seabourn. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, Taylor will take over the fleet management responsibilities of Dan Grausz, executive vice president of fleet operations, who is leaving the company at the end of the year to pursue new opportunities. Taylor will report to Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line.

In this role, Taylor will assume Grausz's operational duties and focus his attention on nautical, technical, safety and environmental management systems and newbuilds for Holland America Line and Seabourn. Taylor will start with the company Sept. 3 and transition with Grausz through the end of the year.

"We are pleased to welcome a person of Keith's caliber to the Holland America Line and Seabourn executive team," said Kruse. "In addition to his proven executive leadership and diverse management skills, Keith brings a well-rounded and outstanding academic and maritime background."

Prior to his recent retirement from the Coast Guard, Taylor served as commander of the 13th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Seattle. Prior to that, he served as assistant commandant for resources and chief financial officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for more than $10 billion in annual financial management and resource activities. He was promoted to flag officer rank in March 2008.

In more than 30 years with the Coast Guard, Taylor served in wide array of command, operational, engineering and staff assignments. An aviator and aircraft maintenance officer, he was assigned to numerous air stations and was commanding officer of Air Station Miami from 2003 to 2006. He worked at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., from 1996 to 2000 where, among other responsibilities, he conducted program review and budget development for all Coast Guard law enforcement, intelligence and international-affairs activities. He also served as deputy chief of staff of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2008, directing service-wide coordination, strategic planning, policy development, financial actions and general management.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from the Krannert School at Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was a Sloan Fellow.

Following the transition, Marine Hotel Operations previously reporting to Grausz will report directly to Kruse.

Stuart Hawkins appointed in a new role in Princess headquarters

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 29 August 2013 29 August 2013

Stuart Hawkins has been appointed senior vice president of Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) Compliance for Princess Cruises.

Previously vice president of newbuilds, Hawkins will add to his current role by assuming responsibility for the administration and maintenance of the company's safety management system and fleet regulations. In this new role, he will oversee shipboard and shoreside compliance with operating and safety procedures, corporate standards, and regulatory requirements.

"We're so pleased that Stuart is taking on this important new role," said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and CEO. "He'll be working closely with our fleet operations team to make sure that all of our ships are meeting the highest standards to provide a safe and secure environment for our passengers."

In conjunction with the company's deck, technical, hotel, and medical departments, Hawkins will review compliance issues, follow up on audit findings, and ensure implementation of new procedures.

A naval architect and chartered engineer, Hawkins has in recent years managed the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Princess and Ruby Princess as well as Cunard vessels Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. He moved to his most recent role based in Southampton, UK in 2006, having joined the company in 2000 as site manager in the shipyard during the construction of Golden Princess. He has coordinated the efforts to build seven Princess ships and will continue to oversee the delivery of Regal Princess in 2014.

Hawkins will be based in the company's Santa Clarita, California headquarters.