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Article from the Guardian written by a regular London to Dublin sail rail traveller.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/apr/06/how-i-learned-to-love-the-slow-route-home-to-ireland

The RNLI is celebrating it's 200th anniversary this year. It was founded on 4th March 1824. Bound to be lots of media coverage this week.

BBC Radio 4 broadcast a very enjoyable and interesting one hour programme yesterday. It's available to listen to on BBC Sounds  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wyfm

A video review of a Cork to Roscoff trip on Brittany Ferries Pont Aven

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67204041

Several people are missing after two cargo ships collided off Germany's North Sea coast, German authorities say. The British-flagged Verity reportedly collided with the Bahamian Polesie at around 5:00 local time (3:00 GMT) on Tuesday morning. The Verity is believed to have sunk. The German coastguard said at least one person had been rescued and teams are searching for several more missing people.

BBC article about a cleaner way of ship breaking.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66881323

Greek ferry captain, 3 seamen charged over death of tardy passenger pushed into sea by crew member

https://apnews.com/article/greece-ferry-passenger-death-arrests-travel-crete-a1c8bb9b0ab89751fa1e662aee0dcbe2

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12485847/Horrifying-moment-passenger-pushed-sea-death-ferry-crew-tried-leap-departing-vessel-Greek-port.html

Nothing official from BF so not sure if there's much or any truth in this story but here it is
Cantabria recovers the ferry connection with Ireland

The maritime transport company, Brittany Ferries, has announced its plans to increase the frequency of its crossings to the port of Santander , in the north of Spain, during the upcoming winter season. With this decision, the company's ships will make four weekly stops in Santander: two to the south of Great Britain and two to Ireland. The objective of this measure is to satisfy the growing demand for trips and expand the variety of destinations offered by the ferry operator.

The decision to improve services from Santander was taken by the Brittany Ferries board of directors, underscoring the company's commitment to providing reliable and convenient transport options for passengers. The increase in frequency to four weekly crossings will be similar to the offer during the summer months, when tourism reaches its peak, guaranteeing a constant and accessible service throughout the year.

This development benefits not only Brittany Ferries, but also consolidates the position of the port of Santander as a major passenger hub in northern Spain. The success of this regular ferry route is the result of a close collaboration between the company and the Port Authority, both committed to constantly offering a high-quality service to travelers.

Establishing a regular ro-pax (roll-on cargo and passenger) route with Ireland has long been an ambition of the port of Santander . In 2018, Brittany Ferries introduced this route using the Cotentin vessel, but due to various challenges, including port access issues, the service temporarily moved to Bilbao in 2020.

However, the current decision marks a change in that situation, with Santander assuming the role of service provider. The new service will be implemented on a trial basis for five months, which will make it possible to evaluate the current potential of the route from the capital of Cantabria, now that the problem of access to the port has been resolved.

It is worth noting that the four scheduled stops in Santander will be made by ships powered by low-emission fuels, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG). This sustainable approach demonstrates Brittany Ferries' commitment to minimizing environmental impact while maintaining efficient and reliable transport services. The new ferry terminal built in the port of Santander will serve as the operational base for these crossings, further improving the region's maritime infrastructure.

As the winter season approaches, the increased frequency of Brittany Ferries crossings from Santander, along with the inclusion of the route to Ireland, promises to give travelers more choice, convenience and a greener way to explore. various destinations.

CLDN's Mazarine en route from Ringaskiddy to Zeebruge has run aground near Wolf Rock lighthouse off Cornwall.



https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-66151666

Spent a week in Barcelona at the end of last month and managed a couple of the trips to the port area to photograph the busy shipping scene. 50+ photos added here https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEAEq 

Here's a few

GNV Tenacia arriving.Costa Favolosa, Celebrity Edge, Cruise Barcelona and GNV Sealand in port.


Grimaldi Transmed Ciudad De Mahon


Grimaldi Eco Valencia


Grimaldi Ciudad De Palma arriving at Barcelona from Palma De Mallorca  Balearia Abel Matutes in the distance


Balearia  Dénia Ciutat Creativa


GNV Tenacia arriving at Barcelona from Palma De Mallorca with Ciudad De Mahon and Gubal Trader


GNV Sealand


Grimaldi Lines Cruise Barcelona

Short tour of the Havila Capella from the Life in Norway website. Havila are now operating the Norwegain Coastal route alongside with the lon established Hurtigruten

Major plans to redevelop Dublin Port with a new 2.2km road and bridge linking the north and southside will be published today. The redevelopment plans, also known as the 3FM project, will create a lifting bridge across the River Liffey adjacent to the Tom Clarke Bridge to divert lorries and heavy traffic away from residential areas and open lands up to the public.


https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/plans-to-build-new-liffey-bridge-linking-north-and-south-as-part-of-dublin-port-redevelopment-42396687.html

Sad news that the former Aran Island ferry MV Naomh Eanna has capsized in the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41056535.html

https://afloat.ie/port-news/ferry-news/item/57610-is-former-galway-aran-islands-ferry-ship-down-and-out-in-dublin

The Grandi Navi Veloci ferry La Superba was undergoing final preparations prior to departing Palermo for Naples when a blaze ignited in its cargo deck on Saturday.

https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/passenger-vessel-world/ro-pax/nearly-200-evacuated-after-fire-ignites-on-berthed-ferry-in-palermo-italy/

Radio programme that might be of interest to some

The overnight ferry between Shetland and mainland Scotland is a lifeline service providing an essential link for people, freight and animals to the Northern Isles. Journeying through some of the roughest seas on the planet, these mighty ships are staffed by highly experienced crew who will do anything to make the crossings comfortable for passengers. On a very wild afternoon in November 2022, Dan Richards boards the ferry in darkness in Lerwick, Shetland and braces himself for a night on the wild ocean, with interesting insights into the effects of motion sickness on the human mind and body.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001fwj7

Port of Cork's new €86m container terminal is already 'too small' Port company CEO criticises time it takes to develop new infrastructure in Ireland

https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41007974.html?

9 page article on the Port of Cork in the December issue of Shipping Yesterday and Today.

Lots of interesting stuff here https://www.dublinportarchive.com/

The Dublin Port Archive covers the history of the Port from 1707, offering a unique insight into how Dublin Port shaped Dublin City. The Archive is comprised of 75,000 photographs, 30,000 engineering drawings, 600 historical registers, yearbooks dating back to 1926 along with a 'Name Book' for employees from 1906 to 1925.

Short Brittany Ferries video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xMd84aHHM8

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-ferries-owner-sees-profits-and-revenues-soar-as-demand-for-travel-returns-41936016.html

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0825/1318677-icg-half-year-results/

Few pics of Ambience at Cobh last Sunday. Ambience was launched in 1991 as Regal Princess and sailed under that name until 2007 when she was renamed Pacific Dawn. In 2020 she became Satoshi for a proposed floating residence in the Gulf of Panama. This didn't happen and she was sold to Ambassador Cruise line in 2021. They renamed her Ambience.