United Maritime Egypt, an operator of ro-ro and passenger
service on the Red Sea, is acquiring ships from Scandinavia to upgrade and
expand its operations. In the past month, UME has announced the acquisition of
two additional ships, including its first large passenger ferry.
UME reached an agreement with Kvarken Link operators of the
Wasaline between Finland and Sweden to acquire the 1981-built passenger ferry
Wasa Express. The 17,000 gross ton vessel represents a significant upgrade for
the Egyptian operation as the first dedicated ferry in its fleet. The ferry has
accommodations for up to 915 passengers with 60 cabins as well as two car
decks. It can carry 450 cars, 65 trucks, and general cargo in addition to the
passengers.
Built at the Wartsila shipyard, the 462-foot vessel has been
operating for Wasaline since 2013. She has run for a series of Scandinavia
operators, entering service originally for Travemunde, and later sailing for
companies including Color Line and Sally. She will be handed over to UME in May
2021 shortly after Wasaline’s new vessel the Aurora Botnia enters service.
Being built at Rauma Marine Constructions’ shipyard in
Rauma, Finland, Wasa’s new ferry features an advanced dual fuel design. It will
primarily operate on LNG while also fitted with batteries to be used arriving
and departing port and will have the capability to convert to biogas in the
future. At the same time, UME is also upgrading its operations with the
acquisition from Wasa.
“With our latest acquisition, the Wasa Express, we will be
the first operator with a battery hybrid ferry in the Red Sea. In addition to
the battery system the vessel is equipped with a number of the latest
optimizing equipment in the market, effectively reducing the carbon dioxide
footprint. The vessel is maintained to highest level and offers highest
passenger standard. We are looking forward to taking over Wasa Express and to
continue the fine co-operation with Kvarken Link”, says Mohamed Badawy,
Chairman and owner of UME Shipping.
This acquisition is the second UME announced in recent weeks.
Rederi AB Gotland signed a Memorandum of Agreement with UME at the end of
November 2020 for the acquisition of the Gute. Built in 1979, she is a 7,600
gross ton ro-ro ferry with capacity for 61 passengers.
The Gute has a varied history operating to Poland,
Australia, Latvia, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland, England and Russia under
names including Sea Wind 2 and Sally Sun. She has been in regular ferry
services but also carried out military transports and delivered an amusement
park to Hong Kong. She was recently renamed the Gubal Trader and registered in
Cyprus for her entry into service on the Red Sea.