Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

8 2 Ferries are likely to become a popular form of transport because they offer the chance to travel in comfort and adhere to social distancing COMMENTARY crisis, which confirmed that ferries are an indispensable part of the global transport infrastructure. However, the need for profitability will be greater than ever to recoup Covid-19 losses, so being ready to adapt and move quickly is paramount. In addition, there is a strategic opportunity to introduce new routes and services because ferries are in pole position to become the favoured travel option due to their ability to ensure social distancing compared with the closer confines of other modes of transport. Similarly, the attractions of short-haul travel will gain momentum due to the hiatus in long-haul offerings. Meanwhile, capital expenditure is an immovable agenda item – not only to replace old ships but also to ensure new and existing vessels comply with demanding environmental and emerging Covid-19 regulations. Government aid for R&D projects will be vital to help suppliers continue their work on new technology. Such sentiments were underlined when I spoke with Anders Ørgård, majority owner and chief commercial officer of Danish naval architects OSK- ShipTech. He told me they have never been busier doing conceptual designs for customers, who are evaluating a range of post-pandemic scenarios and also looking to build or redesign in line with new Covid-19 standards being introduced by many class societies. Meanwhile Interferry remains heavily engaged in our key representations on safety and environmental regulations. When International Maritime Organization sessions resume, we will be presenting proposals for sector specific solutions on carbon dioxide reduction targets, exhaust gas scrubbers and ro-pax fire safety amendments among many other issues. In short, life goes on. The exact shape of the future is still hard to predict at this early stage, but one thing is certain – the ferry industry is poised to lead both the commercial and regulatory charge. CFR Photo: Provided by BC Ferries Anders Ørgård says Danish naval architects OSK-ShipTech is helping operators to redesign their ferries to accommodate new Covid-19 standards