Tag Archives: Le Havre

AIDAprima Completes Bio-Bunkering in Partnership with GoodFuel

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GoodFuels partnered with Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises and completed the first bio-bunkering on AIDAprima, according to a press release.

The AIDAprima was refuelled with GoodFuels’ sustainable biofuels during a port visit to Rotterdam, in the Netherlands as part of a seven-day cruise, visiting Hamburg, Southampton, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge, according to the company. Without requiring any engine or tank modifications, AIDAprima was bunkered with biofuel and continued its itineraries.

“With the successful start of biofuel usage, we have proven that gradual decarbonization is possible even on ships already in service. An important prerequisite for us as a cruise line to be able to use it is that it becomes widely available on an industrial scale and at marketable prices,” commented Felix Eichhorn, president, of AIDA Cruises.

The recent bio-bunkering appears to be just the beginning, as AIDA expects additional deliveries and a possible expansion to other Carnival Corporation brands.

 “This first bio-bunkering with AIDA Cruises marks an exciting step forward on the cruise industry’s decarbonisation pathway, demonstrating that our sustainable biofuels are a safe, technically viable and convenient option to drastically cut down emissions from passenger’s vessels. As the effects of climate change are felt acutely in several parts of the world, the time for action is now, and biofuels are one of the few options that can already make a difference today. We are delighted to have worked alongside the trail-blazers at AIDA Cruises in the past few months to make this milestone a reality, and we look forward to collaborating again in the future,” said Dirk Kronemeijer, chief executive officer, GoodFuels.

MSC Cruise to sail Winter Itineraries from Southampton

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MSC Magnifica below the Queensferry Bridge Photo credit Spacejunkie2

Sailing from mid-November until April, MSC Magnifica will call at Hamburg, Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Southampton during a series of seven-night cruises.

The line said the itinerary had been created following the popularity of UK-based “sea-cations” this summer as the cruise sector made its comeback and “ongoing demand” for Northern Europe.

Passengers will benefit from extended stays in the port of up to 12 hours and embarkation will be possible in each city visited – sales open on Wednesday (6 October).

MSC’s the UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said the Northern Pearls programme would offer Brits “direct and convenient access” to some of Europe’s best cities “for a great winter cruise”

All guests aged 12 years and above must be fully vaccinated and passengers aged 2-11 must provide proof of a negative PCR test or antigen taken within 48 hours of their cruise departure.

View Magnifica photos 

Seafarers Grateful for Le Havre Support Initiative

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Seafarers calling at Port of Le Havre are very appreciative of an initiative started by local associations and private operators providing moral support during their call at Le Havre.

“As we had our call in Le Havre on March 17, we were really overwhelmed by the warmth of your welcome. Of course, we really appreciated the baguettes and croissants, but the (entire) gesture filled us with joy. We as seafarers are still appreciated!” the captain of the tanker Scheldedijk wrote in a letter to Seamen’s club Le Havre.

The captain added that, during the pandemic, the life of seafarers is uncomfortable, with no permission to leave the ship at ports.

“Our Filipino crew serve mostly quite long contracts and, if you are not allowed to go ashore for some diversion, life can be tough!” the captain wrote. “Please don’t underestimate the gesture of your visit onboard our good ship Scheldedijk and the nice surprise treat; it really meant a lot to us. And also, many thanks for helping us go to the supermarket and the nice talks in the Seamen’s club.”

According to Port of Le Havre, the initiative – started on March 15 – includes a French breakfast with fresh baguettes, croissants, jam and other delicacies delivered to the ships, as well as a supportive message to the captain and crew.

The surprise and happiness are great and go well beyond this ‘gourmet box’, as shown by the many grateful messages received, the port said.

“We know what (seafarers) endure with extended duration of service onboard without a clear prospect of going back home, and more often without being able to set a foot ashore during port calls. … Initiated by the Propeller Club of Le Havre and thanks to engagement from Seamen’s Club’s volunteers and employees, more than 70 ships, i.e. around 1,500 worldwide seafarers, are now aware that, in our port, we don’t forget them,” Port of Le Havre wrote in a press release.