During October the 12,519gt/1973 built Logos Hope (above), formerly Smyril Line’s Norrona, arrived in Singapore where she will remain for six months to complete the Power Up Logos Hope project. This significant technical work will see the replacement of two of the ship’s old generators and the main electrical switchboard. In addition, a heat recovery system will be installed to recycle previously wasted heat energy to heat domestic water on board as well as pre-heat fuel oil. The work is being carried out by the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. The Logos Hope was purchased by OM Ships International in 2004 and entered service in 2009. She is operated on behalf of OM Ships International by GBA Ships e.V., a private, non-profit, charitable organisation registered in Germany.

The 658gt/2002 built Shetland ferry Linga (above) had to turn back to Laxo after departing to Symbister, Whalsay, on the evening of 22nd October. The ship was ten minutes into her journey when a small fire broke out in one of her three engines as the result of a mechanical failure. Crew members extinguished the fire before fire crews arrived.

On 24th October Salamis Lines’ 17,884gt/1980 built Alios (formerly P&O’s Norking) broke free of her mooring lines in high winds at the port of Lavrio. The ship struck two vessels, the 44 metre schooner H&B1, which sank, and a small catamaran that was partially submerged.

Finnish ferry operator Finnlines Plc has confirmed its intention to participate in the negotiation procedure when re-opened by the Ministry of Treasury of Poland on the sale of the shares of Polferries.

Having been storm bound at Weymouth thanks to Hurricane Gonzalo whilst en route to Glasgow from Tilbury, Waverley Excursions’ paddle steamer Waverley returned to Southampton on 25th October for lay up to permit crew leave and to await a suitable weather window to sail north. Her berth at Weymouth was needed by the Condor Rapide to undertake scheduled maintenance.

In early November Poland’s Remontowa Shipbuilding signed a contract to supply two ferries to Estonia’s Port of Tallinn. The vessels can be converted to run on liquefied natural gas, and will be of 114m length overall and offer capacity for up to 150 passenger vehicles and 600 passengers on board.

On 31st October the 16,631gt/1981 built Bahamas Celebration (formerly Color Line’s Prinsesse Ragnhild) struck an unknown object while departing from Freeport, Bahamas, causing a small hole in the port side hull. The ship was able to return to the port and all passengers and crew were disembarked with no injuries reported. Three days later the hole had been patched, but the ship was still listing by about 10 percent (above) and salvage crews were assessing the damage.

On the morning of 9th November the 35,923gt/2006 built Dover Seaways (above) collided head on with the harbour wall as she departed with the 0800 sailing to Dunkerque. Some passengers sustained bumps & bruises and there was some damage on board in public areas with the shop left is disarray, chairs upturned etc. All 320 passengers and the cars/freight were safely disembarked back at the berth before the ship was withdrawn for inspection. An unconfirmed technical fault with the steering gear was suspected as the culprit.

On 26th October Viking Line’s flagship Viking Grace was awarded an international environmental prize for her sustainable solutions. The ship received the 2014 Skål Sustainable Tourism Award in Mexico with the jury describing the Viking Grace as the most environmentally friendly cruise ferry in the world, setting the standard for the whole industry. The winners were revealed during the Skål World Congress in Mexico City.