ICG have taken "redelivery" of HSC Westpac Express. The vessel is to undergo a conversion to a fully operational passenger ferry fitted out to Irish Ferries specifications. A decision will then be taken on wether to seek to charter the vessel or to deploy it internally to replace the Swift. An announcement will be made in due course.
The wording of the statement they have put out certainly suggests to me she will operate in place of Swift once ready. The fact they have even mentioned it as a possibility says to me it is likely to happen. Whilste longer she is also slower than Swift and just a couple of years younger. I suppose if they have to put in new fixtures and fittings anyway they might as well make use of them themselves! The potential extra capacity over Swift could come in handy as well with WB Yeats concentrated on the France service
Quote
StockMarketWire.com - Irish Continental Group has taken redelivery of the high speed craft Westpac Express under the terms of the charter with Sealift.
The group said the vessel - which had been on charter since its acquisition on 1 June 2016 - would undergo a refurbishment programme to bring it up to Irish Ferries' passenger service standards.
The group said it was currently finalising its fleet operational requirements for 2018 and a decision on whether to charter externally or deploy this vessel within the group's Irish Ferries services, in lieu of the existing vessel Jonathan Swift, would be announced in due course.
The group also said that gollowing the maturity of its existing debt facilities it had concluded a suite of financing agreements comprising:
- A 5 year multicurrency revolving credit facility provided by Allied Irish Banks (co-ordinating bank) and Bank of Ireland (agent bank) extendable by up to 2 years, comprising a committed €75 million drawing limit together with an additional uncommitted limit of €50 million;
-A 12 year amortising term loan provided by the European Investment Bank comprising a committed €75 million drawing limit, available on delivery of the new vessel W.B. Yeats
- Multicurrency private loan note shelf agreements with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Pricoa Capital Group comprising total uncommitted drawing limits of US$275 million and tenors of up to 15 years.
It said these had been supplemented with an overdraft and guarantee facility of €16 million provided by Allied Irish Banks Plc.
On 30 Nov the Group issued its first series of loan notes under the shelf agreements amounting to €50 million on a 7 year bullet repayment term with a fixed coupon of 1.40% per annum.
Following this issuance the aggregate committed finance facilities amount to €216 million, with uncommitted facilities of €222 million approximately.
These facilities will be used to support the long-term investment opportunities available to the Group the most imminent being the delivery of the cruise ferry W.B. Yeats in June 2018 when the remaining 80% of the €144 million contracted cost of this ship is due to be paid.
http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/5764478/Irish-Continental-takes-redelivery-and-agrees-refinancing.html
The speed differance would not be significant on a two hour voyage compared with the cruise ferry 3 hour 30 minute crossing time. The question will be can she operate in weather conditions above 2.5 metre wave height where the swift was limited.
Quote from: IFPete on December 02, 2017, 03:05:47 PM
The speed differance would not be significant on a two hour voyage compared with the cruise ferry 3 hour 30 minute crossing time. The question will be can she operate in weather conditions above 2.5 metre wave height where the swift was limited.
Some sources state she was only intended to operate at 20 knots in normal service, though I doubt that will be anywhere near the case if she operates on the Irish Sea (what would be the point!). Being of similar hull design I expect she will have similar wave height restrictions as the swift.
33 knots v 42 for J Swift
https://www.austal.com/ships/westpac-express
https://www.austal.com/ships/jonathan-swift
Moved to Singapore over the weekend, taking bunkers at the moment, Where next? Austal for a refit?
When was the last time the Swift operated at 42 knots .
Quote from: ferryfan on December 04, 2017, 03:17:11 PM
Moved to Singapore over the weekend, taking bunkers at the moment, Where next? Austal for a refit?
A ferry brokers website actually. They state her location as Singapore. Could be the refit takes place there. I imagine ICG are testing the water a little to see if there is any interest.
Austal might only be needed if they want ramps to be replaced.
I wonder could swift end up on lease to P&O in Larne,
Quote from: Chef on December 04, 2017, 04:39:41 PM
When was the last time the Swift operated at 42 knots .
I do recall seeing her on AIS travelling at over 40kts on her way to (or was it from?) Cammel Laird last year for (From) her refit. Of course she would not be loaded for that trip. Service speed is normally around 35kts - still faster than Westpac's top speed although, lets face it, Westpac is quite a bit bigger.
Do they both have the same engine/waterjet set up?
Quote from: IFPete on December 04, 2017, 07:37:38 PM
Austal might only be needed if they want ramps to be replaced.
I wonder could swift end up on lease to P&O in Larne,
Even then I'm sure the work could still be done elsewhere.
As for P&O they'd need to have a need for such a craft but I wouldn't totally rule out a return to fast craft (though would be a huge u-turn). Express is available again as well and would arguably be a better fit for them being a craft they have experience with and already fitted out in P&O colours. I believe some of the P&O signage is still visible onboard!
The problem as I see it with P&O introducing an 'express' service, have that be with the former HSC Express or Irish Ferries Swift, is higher running costs at Larne. P&O would have to foot the fuel bill for Express, which was quite large and also pay berthing fees at Troon, additional staff etc, and the general public would still likely opt for which ever route or operator was cheapest, thus putting P&O in very hazardous waters.
By retaining just the European Highlander and European Causeway, P&O have levelled the playing field with Stena Line, and are seeing the busiest carryings in 20+ years.
On her way to Kochi in India. I think she's on her way to Ireland or at least to Europe via Suez.
Sounds like Christmas cover to me.
Quote from: ferryfan on December 05, 2017, 10:37:20 AM
On her way to Kochi in India. I think she's on her way to Ireland or at least to Europe via Suez.
Just to confuse matters Marine Traffic is indicating the Kochi in question is in Japan whilst vessel finder says India. Both Kochi's have shipyards but her direction of travel on the last freely available satellite position (from 3 days ago) would suggest she is bound for India.
My Money is on Falmouth for fitout,
Westpac Express Departed Jeddah 1035 AM this morning now on route to Suez.
In the Med on the way to Valletta.
If it clears Gibraltar we should have a good idea where it's going.
If Falmouth it should appear on this list first
https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/shipping/shipping-movements/
No mention of the vessel on the Matrix ship management Facebook pages, so no clues as to who is bringing it to Europe.
Quote from: giftgrub on December 19, 2017, 09:28:24 PM
In the Med on the way to Valletta.
If it clears Gibraltar we should have a good idea where it's going.
If Falmouth it should appear on this list first
https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/shipping/shipping-movements/
No mention of the vessel on the Matrix ship management Facebook pages, so no clues as to who is bringing it to Europe.
Could be headed for New York for all we know ;)
Birkenhead could also be a possible destination as that's where Jonathan Swift goes fro refit every Jan.
Moored in Valletta right beside the Palumbo shipyard. They have carried out conversion work for a number of vessels belonging to Moby Lines and Grimaldi so will be watching to see if she moves on or if the work will happen here.
She is getting bunkers from local tanker Vanna.
Alongside the ferry terminal used by Virtu ferries, who have some fast craft in their fleet.
http://www.virtuferries.com/?page_id=42
Possibly IF have found a charter.
No mention of Westpac Express on Virtu Ferries website. She is due to undergo major refurbishment and drydocking before being redeployed by ICG. Since ICG mention that she will be brought up to IF passenger standard that is a major clue as to where she will be deployed.
The vessel is crewed by Irish Ferries contracted personell since they purchased it.
Bad weather is keeping her in Valletta. Probably won't depart until Saturday.
On the move this morning next stop Algeciras, Spain.
Bunkering in Algeciras this morning
Has finished bunkering in Algeciras and is now at the Cernaval Shipyard just north of Gibraltar.
Rumours from Algeciras is that Armas or Trasmapi have secured her on bareboat charter
That might make sense.
Some nice images of Westpac Express here
https://www.maatsuyker.com/westpacexpress
Next stop Liverpool apparently, possibly going to CL for drydocking alongside one of the fleet regulars.
http://www.puentedemando.com/en-algeciras-a-la-espera-de-que-amaine-el-temporal/
On the move again, next stop Lisboa, Portugal.
Westpac Express now in Lisbon,
Strong indications are its going to be upgraded by Cammell Laird in Birkenhead.
Westpack Express en route to Bilbao
In Bilbao at the moment.
Are all these stops just for bunkers? I don't suppose she would have very big tanks.
If she is coming to work locally, is it likely she will get a new name? I'm sure port of registry will get changed.
Due in Belfast next week, going to be drydocked in H&W according to reports on the Facebook (from sources who should know).
She has been sheltering from the storms. Yesterday she was doing 31 knots along the north spanish coast,
She arrived in Brest yesterday afternoon. Destination on AIS now is Holyhead due to arrive there at 05.30 on monday morning.
Possible berthing trials on the way north??
revised arrival 0700 Sunday 14th Jan
Was in Holyhead early this morning for berthing trails, next stop Belfast.
Has arrived in Belfast, alongside ship repair quay at Harland & Wolff, first Irish Ferries vessel to go to Belfast in a good few years.
Is it likely that the Swift will join her in dry dock in Belfast?
Also wondering why she did berthing trials at Holyhead but not Dublin?
She Berths bow in on a pontoon at T2 Holyhead, They needed to check the Bow section mate with the Berth.
Quote from: IFPete on January 16, 2018, 08:20:14 PM
She Berths bow in on a pontoon at T2 Holyhead, They needed to check the Bow section mate with the Berth.
I have it on good authority from a contact in Holyhead that she only trialled T3 and didn't go near the inner harbour or T2
Maybe its to do with headheight under T3 upperdeck.
Maybe she only stopped for bunkers?
she berthed and vehcated the berth just as swift was arriving in holyhead.
Yes, she did only berth on T3. I tracked her on AIS.
Bunkers? possibly. However, although I'm a frequent visitor to Holyhead, I've never understood the refueling operation there. There are large bunker tanks on Salt Island and tankers visit terminal 4 regularly to refill them. However, another tanker (usually Keewhit) visits to bunker Stena Adventurer and Ulysses directly from her hold - or so it seems.
Some great images of Westpac Express arriving in Belfast here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/27909397139/
Now confirmed that Westpac is to replace the Jonathan Swift;
Announcement this morning from ICG;
"Sale of Jonathan Swift
ICG announces that it has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") for the sale of the High Speed Craft "Jonathan Swift" to Balearia Eurolineas Maritimas S.A.
The agreed consideration of €15.5 million less brokers commission is payable in cash on delivery less a 10% deposit to be held in escrow. The vessel is to be delivered by the end of April 2018.
The "Jonathan Swift" which was commissioned by and delivered to ICG in 1999 and has since operated on the company's Dublin – Holyhead route. This vessel will be replaced in our fleet by the 2001 built High Speed Craft "Westpac Express", which was recently redelivered following a period of twenty months on external charter. She is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme to bring her up to Irish Ferries passenger service standards.
The "Jonathan Swift" was delivered to the group in 1999 at a cost of €38.8m. The disposal will generate a book profit for ICG of approximately €14.0m.
The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes."
Well the rumours were true, would be very interested to see what they plan to do internally I hear she is in a pretty sorry state.
Makes good Business sense
I've written a blog post about the sale of Jonathan Swift. Please read it and tell me your thoughts? https://liamfjournalist.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/a-swift-exit/
Certainly a much better deal than Stena managed for the Explorer!
Quote from: Cillian on January 30, 2018, 03:43:19 PM
Makes good Business sense
Yes. By my calculations they made about €3m by taking a bigger and slight younger craft. Thats before you add on 20 months charter income as well!!! Very good business, and its not going to cost as much as they've made to refurbish her. I bet they'll make a bit when they sell her on in 2020/21 as well!
https://www.niferry.co.uk/westpac-express-confirmed-new-dublin-holyhead-fast-craft/
Reflagged Cyprus like the rest of the fleet. Will she be renamed?
she is marketed as Dublin Swift on the booking engines,
My money is on Jonathan Swift II
Jonathan Swift II sounds good. Whatever the name, I am looking forward to a trip across the Irish sea on her ;)
As someone has already posted, reflagged to Cyprus. Matrix ship management also posted to Facebook that she passed a number of surveys as well.
It appears that the Westpac Express was detained by authorities in Malta in December following a EU Port State Control inspection which found a number of deficienies including Safety Management Certificates and issues with Rescue Boats. She was held in Valetta from the 20th until the 23rd December.
Has now moved into drydock in Belfast.
We will hopefully have exterior shots of the new look when it's finished.
Keep an eye on the Facebook page linked from this site
http://www.matrixshipmanagement.com/
For up to date info
Confirmed Westpac Express renamed HSC Dublin Swift.
She has been renamed and reclassified as a Fast Craft. Looking forward to taking a spin on her next month.
she is now reclassified as a cargo vessel.
I guess this will change when she moves out of drydock.
Quote from: IFPete on April 01, 2018, 05:49:45 PM
she is now reclassified as a cargo vessel.
I guess this will change when she moves out of drydock.
She'll only be going from DD to the ship repair quay anyway I'm told.