#MANX FERRY- In preparation for the busy festive season, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. (IOMSPCo) are to deploy Ben-My-Chree to operate two round-trip Douglas-Dublin Port crossings, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The ro-pax (90-freight trailer/630 passenger) ferry is scheduled to depart Douglas on Saturday 22 December at 19.30hrs with an arrival in Dublin Port at 00.15hrs on the morning of Sunday 23 December. The return sailing departs the Irish capital at 01.00hrs.

On the following weekend, Ben-My-Chree heads for the 4 hour 45 minute Irish route again on Saturday 29 December, departing Douglas at 19.30hrs and arriving in Dublin just after mid-night at 00.15hrs. The return crossing on Sunday 30 December to the Manx capital departs 01.00hrs.

For updates on sailing schedules to include Manx-UK routes between Douglas-Heysham and the winter only operated Douglas-Liverpool (Birkenhead) route visit: www.steam-packet.com/en/LatestSailings

#PORTS & SHIPPING REVIEW - Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where Celtic Link Ferries sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg resumed operating, following mooring issues encountered in Cherbourg.

Memorial services were held in Dublin and Cork for the National Commemoration Services for Irish Seafarers. In addition to church services held, wreaths were laid in the capital at the memorial to Irish Seafarers at City Quay.

The Naval Service Base on Haulbowline, was the setting for an historic occasion as three women were promoted to the rank of Petty Officer.

Retaining to a naval theme, in Belfast, where WWI cruiser HMS Caroline is berthed, veterans and relatives of those who served on board are being invited to contribute memories to a project carried out by National Museum of the Royal Navy (NRMN).

In the latest analysis released from the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) the volume of port and shipping traffic remained relatively stable in the third quarter of 2012, in which a breakdown of the five main shipping sectors is outlined.

Carl-Johan Hagman has been appointed new CEO of Stena Line, the 46-year old replaces Gunnar Blomdahl, who has served in this role for more than a decade of the Swedish owned ferry giant which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The IMDO sponsored the Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year 2012 which went to Stena Line in Rosslare, at the annual Irish Exporters Association's Export Industry Awards. In the category for Deep Sea Shipping Company, sponsored by the Port of Cork Company the award went to Hapag-Lloyd while in the Seafood Exporter Award, the honour went to Errigal Seafoods.

Sailings on the winter season service between Douglas-Liverpool (Birkenhead) were resumed by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.'s ro-pax Ben-My-Chree.

Abis Dover, a new Dutch built multipurpose heavy-cargoship unloaded wind-turbine components in Dublin Port. The D-class 6,000 tonne newbuild is to be joined by a sister Abis Dublin which is due for delivery this December.

#FESTIVE CRUISE – A Christmas Party Night Cruise with resident DJ playing your favourites from the 70's to the present day will be a night out with a difference, as you set sail onboard Mersey Ferries.

The Royal Daffodil, which is often used for party nights with its dance floors and large inside saloons will too during the Christmas Cruise cater for office parties, groups of friends or even families. So if you fancy a giggle get out your favourite clothes from your favourite era and you could win a bottle of champagne, there are prizes for best male and female costumes.

The cruise on 15th December departs Liverpool's Pier Head at 8.30pm and Seacombe at 8.45pm and lasts approximately 3½ hours. Tickets are £16.00 per person and can be purchased at the terminal of Mersey Ferries or Tel: 0151 330 1444 or online by visiting this LINK

#MANX FERRY – Sailings between the Isle of Man and Merseyside resumed service once again for the winter season, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.'s ro-pax Ben-My-Chree started Douglas-Liverpool (Birkenhead) sailings this month and the vessel will also continue to operate services on her regular Douglas-Heysham route.

Crossing time from Birkenhead's Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal to the Manx capital take 4 hours 15 minutes. For sailings schedules of both routes click HERE.

#FERRY AWARD – At the annual Irish Exporters Association's Export Industry Awards, among the categories was for the Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year 2012, which was awarded to Stena Line in Rosslare, Co. Wexford.

The award, sponsored by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), recognises the strategically important role of short sea shipping to our island economy. The other nominees were: Eucon Shipping and Transport Ltd., Dublin and Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics, Dublin.

#FERRY NEWS - The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) highlights the rights of ferry and boat passengers within the European Union under new legislation set to apply from 18 December 2012.

The European Union (Rights of Passengers when Travelling by Sea and Inland Waterway) Regulations 2012 give full effect to Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010, which has the objective of ensuring "a high level of protection for passengers using waterborne transport anywhere in the European Union by establishing certain rights and a minimum quality of service across the EU.

"It provides ship passengers with enhanced rights and includes provisions on non-discrimination and assistance for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, rights relating to the provision of information to all passengers before and during a journey, assistance to passengers in the event of delays and, in certain circumstances, compensation for delays and cancellation of journeys."

The main elements of the new regulations are summarised in Marine Notice No 63 of 2012, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.

Meanwhile, the DTTAS is also reminding shipowners, masters and officers of their obligations as regards keeping a continuous navigational watch while at anchor.

Full details of obligations under the STCW Convention are included in Marine Notice No 62 of 2012, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.

#FERRY NEWS –Stena Line has appointed Carl-Johan Hagman as the new CEO, replacing Gunnar Blomdahl, who has been serving in this role for more than a decade of the Swedish owned ferry giant which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Hagman has since Autumn 2011 been responsible for all shipping operations in the Stena Group, until he takes his new role of CEO on New Year's Day 2013. The 46 year old will continue to hold this position in the Stena Group in the future.

Carl-Johan Hagman commented: "Stena Line is one of the linchpins in Stena AB. The company's strategy remains in place and our continuous efforts to offer comfortable, cost-effective and environmentally efficient ferry transport, to both private travellers and industry, will continue".

"I would like to congratulate Gunnar on successfully leading the company through a sometimes volatile period and thank him for handing over a very well-managed company."

Gunnar Blomdahl took over as Stena Line's CEO in 2003. During the years with Gunnar as CEO, Stena Line has developed into one of the world's largest ferry companies, including the best years historically in terms of profit.

The company has invested around SEK 11 billions in new tonnage and geographic expansion, e.g. through the acquisition of Scandline's five Baltic routes a few months ago.

As a consequence of this change, Carl-Johan Hagman will relinquish the role as Chairman for Stena Line and Dan Sten Olsson (son of Stena Line founder Sten A. Olsson) will once again take on this role.

#FERRY NEWS - Celtic Link Ferries have announced their best ever ferry deal between France and Ireland to coincide with The Gathering 2013.

On Friday 15 March 2013 - in time for the St Patrick's Weekend festivities - all vehicles will sail from Cherbourg to Rosslare Europort for just €1 each.

The fantastic deal is inclusive of a vehicle, cabin and the people in the cabin - but act fast, as this 'next to nothing' offer is available for this one day only.

“Celtic Link Ferries are simply bringing in as many passengers as they can - for as little price that they can,” says passenger manager Rory McCall.

Bookings for this day can be made at www.celticlinkferries.com.

#FERRY TO RESUME – Services on Celtic Link Ferries Rosslare-Cherbourg route as previously reported on Afloat.ie are scheduled to resume with tomorrow (20 November) night's sailing departing 21.30hrs.

According to the ferry operator, the ro-pax ferry Celtic Horizon will be operating to a reduced capacity, however the sailing will mark the return of standard sailing times.

Due to the restrictions in place any passenger with special needs are requested to contact CLF on 053 916 2688 (Ireland) or 02 33 43 23 87 (France) and for further information visit www.celticlinkferries.com

#NO FERRY SAILING – Due to a mooring issue that took place in Cherbourg, there will be no sailing today (18 November) on Celtic Link Ferries 19.00hr departure from Cherbourg to Rosslare.

According to the operator's website, yesterday's outward sailing from Rosslare was also cancelled and that passengers intending to travel today will also be looked after on other sailings. In the meantime the ro-pax vessel remains berthed at Rosslare Europort.

To keep updated of further developments passengers are requested to consult the operators website HERE and by contacting CLF on 053 916 2688 (Ireland) or 02 33 43 23 87 (France).