Displaying items by tag: Norwegian fjords

1st July 2018

Slow-Speeding Regulations Under Consideration In Norway's World Heritage Fjords

Slower Speeds? in Norway's World Heritage Fjords. Afloat adds the above is Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord at 16,140 gross tonnes is one of the largest of the coastal-car carrying cruising fleet. The Norwegian built 638-bed capacity vessel visited Dun Laoghaire Harbour as part of a publicity call in the early 2000's which involved berthing at the jetty along the East Pier.

#CruiseLiners - Limitation on speed in the Norwegian World Heritage fjords is one of several measures the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) is considering in order to limit pollution from ships in these areas according to Cruise Europe.

DNV GL carried out a study on the authority’s behalf to assess the effect of a speed reduction, what that speed should be and to quantify the resulting anticipated reduction in emissions.

A study of all cruise and Hurtigruten ships operating in the area between January 2016 to October 2017 resulted in the findings that using a maximum speed of 12, 10 or 8 knots would mean a reduction in total maritime emissions of 10%, 15% and 19% respectively for Geirangerfjord and in the range of 6%, 8% and 10% for Naeroyfjord. The latter lower levels are due to vessels generally maintaining a lower speed here anyway. In the summary it states that “for the collective fleet 8 knots could be an ideal lower speed limit in order to reduce emissions”.

The NMA has now given a recommendation to the Climate and Environment Ministry. Bjorn E Pedersen, head of department legislation and international relations NMA, commented: “We based our recommendation on the DNV GL report. Basically we recommend a maximum speed for ships over 25,000gt in parts of the fjords varying from eight to 12 knots .”

He pointed out that the NMA jurisdiction does not include speed regulations, hence the Coastal Administration will be the authority making the final decision.

Although he thinks it is unlikely that it will come into force this year, he does not believe it will have too great a negative impact. “Our own analysis concludes that the time lost due to a maximum speed of 10 knots will have minimum consequence on the ship schedules.” He added that in meetings with the cruiselines, no concern has been expressed with regard to the proposed speed limitation.

Published in Cruise Liners

Tagged under

Fram From the Fjords and Beyond

Hurtigruten's polar expediton cruiseship Fram (2007/11,647grt) docked at the Cobh cruise terminal in Cork Harbour today, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The rather stout looking vessel which is 114m long on a beam of 20m was built in Italy to operate primarily as a cruiseship in artic waters. She differs to the rest of her fleetmates which operate Hurtigruten's coastal voyage along the fjords of Norway between Bergin to Kirkenes, near the Russian border.

Fram operates on cruises from Norway to Spitsbergen, Greenland, and Europe. She also cruises in Antarctic waters and explores the Chilean fjords. She can handle 400 passengers in 254 berths. On board there is a reception area, a large top-deck glass-enclosed observation salon positioned forward, bar, restaurant, library, shop and leisure facilities, including gym, sauna and jacuzzi. For further information and deck plans click HERE.

Throughout her interior she has traditional and modern artwork from a selection of Norwegian and Greenlandic artists. To read more on her Antarctic cruises and other destinations click HERE.

On this particular cruise, she had departed from Bergin and called to several Scottish ports prior to berthing in Belfast and docking in Dublin yesterday. This evening she heads for the Isles of Scilly, followed by a call to Portsmouth before disembarking her passengers in Hamburg.

Published in Cruise Liners

Tagged under

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.