In association with UNITY IS STRENGTH Interferry and its members play a key role in building the ferry sector’s future Photo: WightlinkPhoto: LEADING BY EXAMPLE Executives from BC Ferries, MBNA Thames Clippers and Majestic Fast Ferry highlight how they are improving their services SAFETY: RECYCLING: SUSTAINABLE: APFC’s Mary Ann William MacLachlan Interferry’s Pastrana shares how from HFW advises how Johan Roos the Philippines can ferry lines can dispose discusses climate overcome challenges of old tonnage change issues COOL CAT. Austal Passenger Express 56 – the latest addition to our catamaran portfolio With exciting new designs that perform as good as they look, Austal catamarans are the smart choice for the smoothest of high speed sailings. Passengers are captivated by distinctive good looks that command attention and delighted by an on-board experience that truly re-defines commercial maritime travel. Operators enjoy industry-leading vessel availability, performance and economy that delivers an outstanding return on investment and greater customer satisfaction. Over the past 30 years, Austal has delivered more than 150 high speed catamarans to over 80 operators in 40 countries, and has grown Austal’s Auto Express 109 – a 109 metre high speed vehicle passenger ferry currently under construction for Molslinjen of to become the world’s largest aluminium Denmark and Fjord Line of Norway. shipbuilder. And that’s very cool. Learn more online or search Austal Catamaran. AUSTAL.COM COMMENTARY Unity is strength Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan assesses the trade association’s growing role in building the ferry sector’s future ahead of its 43rd annual conference this October he cyclical peaks and troughs of facilitates crucial knowledge exchange business are particularly familiar among members and maritime professionals, to those of us in the shipping most notably through our industry-leading industry, so there is no false sense annual conference. of optimism when I suggest that Since becoming CEO of Interferry in April current and future prospects for the ferry 2017, I’ve constantly stressed that we are sector have rarely been better. Traffic ‘Stronger Together’. That’s because, despite growth and a resurgence in newbuild carrying more than two billion passengers orders provide ample evidence of this in the and 32 million freight units per year, the developed world. Although safety remains global ferry sector represents only 3-5% of a major concern in developing nations, overall world shipping. We must punch above there are increasing signs of improvement our weight to remind policymakers of our as Interferry and others share expertise and indisputable contribution to society. act as conduits to funding support. Recruiting new members is core to This issue of International Cruise & Ferry increasing Interferry’s strength, not least in Review highlights many of the opportunities countries without the human and financial and challenges that exist across the global resources required to enhance training and Mike ferry sector. As the ferry industry’s only global vessel maintenance. Over the past year, we’ve voice, Interferry is committed to helping seen 10% growth, but now we want to extend Corrigan operators and all other key players to maximise our reach beyond traditional membership the upsides, and minimise the potential regions like North America, Europe and A former energy industry downsides, of these opportunities and make Australia. Areas such as the Asia Pacific and executive, Mike Corrigan the sector stronger than ever. Central and South America are a prime focus, joined Interferry after 14 years There are two key drivers in this mission. which explains why Cancun in Mexico, will in leadership positions at one First, we have vital input on shaping safety host our 43rd annual conference this October. of the world’s largest ferry and environmental regulations through I’m excited by the expert insights awaiting operators, BC Ferries in his our consultative status at the International conference attendees as they discuss the native Canada, the last five as Maritime Organization and our influence at theme of safety, security and the environment. president and CEO the European Union, where new regulatory Keynote speakers will include Ben Lofstad, proposals are often conceived. Our input on Royal Norwegian Navy Commander and issues as wide-ranging as damage stability to director of the NATO Shipping Center in energy efficiency, has already helped inspire NATO’s Maritime Command, who will sector-specific amendments that preserve review global terrorism trends; Mark Sutcliffe, regulatory objectives alongside the unique director of the 700-strong CSO Alliance design and operational requirements of of maritime company security officers; ferries. Second, parallel to this lobbying and Robin Silvester, president and CEO of capability Interferry’s networking platform the Port of Vancouver, a world leader on harnessing eco-friendly aims with commercial viability. The agenda will also feature updates on the best practice guides being developed ” Current and future prospects by our own specially formed safety and security committees. for the ferry sector have Last year’s conference in Croatia attracted more than 500 attendees – a record. Similar rarely been better” support at our conference in Cancun this October will ensure our voice grows ever louder. C&F 65 INTERVIEW Sanguine times Mike Grainger, managing director of Liferaft Systems Australia, chairman of TT-Line Spirit of Tasmania and chairman of Interferry, Ferry Business chats to Jon Ingleton about the future of the ferry industry What are the greatest challenges a shortage of slots for operators who are What are the big opportunities? currently facing ferry operators? contemplating newbuild programmes. This The opportunities are significant for ferry New emission regulations come into effect is particularly true in the high-speed sector owners who operate their vessels with a high in 2020, forcing many ferry operators to where builders like Incat and Austal have degree of safety and high level of customer make some significant decisions about recently received orders for large high-speed satisfaction. Owners who are investing in how they will comply. They will also need passenger and vehicle ferries. It seems that new tonnage will no doubt reap the benefits to maintain compliance with several new lead times are extending with the larger, of a strong economy in their respective International Maritime Organization more versatile yards having several contracts geographical routes. We are seeing some of (IMO) regulations, such as those relating for newbuilds to be delivered in 2022 and the major European owners amalgamating, to ballast water management and stability. beyond. The cruise ship industry has not and in turn strengthening, their markets, Another key challenge is that most of the helped this situation with many cruise ships increasing services for passengers and freight reputable ferry builders have full order on order or under construction, tying up the companies. The new generation of ferries books for the next five years, so there is large shipbuilders well into the future. are significantly more efficient, which maximises the return on investment for ferry owners. The global economy seems to be improving, which is also providing opportunities for ferry owners to expand and take advantage of tourist dollars. How do you think alternative modes of transport will impact the growth of sea travel in future? Alternative modes of transport aren’t necessarily increasing; governments will always build bridges and airlines will always cater for the needs of their particular industry sector. However, we’ve recently seen that the new generation of ferry transport can (in most cases) compete with bridges or airlines. The Great Belt Bridge in Denmark – which has a toll of €32.00 (US$36) per car – is an example where ferry operations in the area are actually increasing. We have witnessed ” The future looks promising for ferry owners, operators, builders, designers and suppliers” 66 International Cruise & Ferry Review Today’s ferries are safer, stronger and more efficient, economic and environmentally friendly than ever before some amalgamation of ferry operators and process and overall, I believe it’s doing important part in sustainability, therefore new tonnage being introduced in Denmark, things properly. However, the IMO requires the ferry industry needs to keep pace or lead so confidence is obviously high. The River the support of, and input from, the entire the transport sector with customer-focused Plate in Argentina is another example where marine industry to ensure fair and equitable incentives that influence how the ferry the Buquebus ferries compete very well regulations. We shouldn’t underestimate industry is perceived. with airlines connecting Buenos Aries to the responsibility of flag states, port states Montevideo. As populations are increasing and classification societies to ensure Are there any current industry worldwide, it’s becoming more difficult for that implementing and monitoring the innovations that you think will be governments to maintain infrastructure regulations is of paramount importance. a big game-changer? programmes in terms of highways to cater In less developed countries, there needs We’re experiencing a period of growth in for additional motor vehicles. Toll roads to be a culture change which steers the the ferry industry that we have not seen for are