Displaying items by tag: Breakthrough

10th January 2024

Sailings by Isle of Man Steam Packet Return to Scheduled Service after Breakthrough

Flagship ferry Manxman has returned to normal service on the Douglas-Heysham route which resumed with twice a day crossings that include evening and overnight sailings.

The move as IOMToday reports, follows a breakthrough between the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. and a seafarers’ trade union working on the flagship which was introduced last summer.

Crew members of Nautilus International working on board Steam Packet vessels ceased industrial action after the government owned ferry operator withdrew its termination letters.

On both sides of the dispute, they have committed to further talks and arbitration if necessary.

The Steam Packet announced last week that it would be cutting the number of crossings by Manxman each day, to just one return sailing for over a period of two weeks.

As for the reduced frequency of sailings, this arose as one officer had to unexpectedly take leave from duties, citing personal reasons.

Published in Ferry

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Irish Crew Vying for Overall Sydney–Hobart Lead

#rshyr – Irish crewed yacht Breakthrough is an estimated two hours off the overall handicap lead at the halfway stage of the 635–mile Sydney–Hobart yacht Race. Lead by top Irish offshore sailor Barry Hurley, the New South Wales entry from Jonathan Stone and Mathew Vadas is lying 33nm SE of Gabo Island in third place in the 109–boat fleet. After its second night at sea Breakthrough has still to sail 382.5 miles to the Tasmanian finish.

Hurley has on board Dublin Bay sailors Alexander and Kenneth Rumball and Catherine Halpin along with a local Sydney crew. The Aussie–Irish team are currently behind Roger Hickman's Wild Rose and Ron Foster's Ariel on IRC handicap.

Prior to his departure Hurley wrote about preparations for his third successive Sydney–Hobart race.

Published in Sydney to Hobart

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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.