· Fast Ferry Studies in North America
British Columbia Ferries Corporation: Price Elasticity Study
This study was to evaluate the fare structure of the BC ferries major routes prior to the proposed introduction of a fast ferry service between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo. These ferries are going to have a capacity of 250 vehicles and 1,000 passengers and a service speed of 37 knots.
Transheldrake was responsible for
· The development of the zone system
· Overseeing the data collection and its formatting
Cities of Toronto and Rochester: Lake Ontario Fast Ferry Study
This study analysed the potential for a fast ferry operation between Toronto On and Rochester NY. Both passenger only and combined passenger and vehicle ferries were investigated. Examples of European fast ferries were cited as available technologies ranging from the Stena HSS to the FBM Tricat. The study established the potential demand, necessary governmental issues, operations, costings, and economic benefits to the two cities. Transheldrake was responsible for
· The development of the zone system
· The design and execution of the freight survey
· Freight survey analysis and development of demand model
· Liaison with manufactures and operators of fast ferry technologies selected, Stena HSS, Incat 82 m, Fincantieri Pegasus, FBM Tricat
· Development of the operating plan and vessel schedules
· Development of the operational costings, and revenue tariffs
· Production of costings for the life of the project, compared to revenues from the demand models
· Development of customer service issues such as terminal layout and vessel interiors
· Estimates of duty free sales and analysis of other North American and European operators experience
· Liaison with Canadian and US customs and immigration services in respect of facilities required at terminals
· Liaison with other port authorities in respect of harbour dues
· Liaison with Transport Canada as regards fast ferry regulations requirements in Canada
Greyhound Corporation of Canada: Niagara Toronto Fast Ferry Study
This study investigated the potential for a fast ferry service between Niagara on the Lake and Toronto downtown. The chosen technology was a generic 250 passenger catamaran type craft. Demand estimates were prepared from TEMS data sources. The project was deemed not viable.
Transheldrake was responsible for
· Development of the operational costings, and revenue tariffs
· Production of costings for the life of the project, compared to revenues from the demand models
Transheldrake was involved in several fast ferry projects in the United Kingdom both as a consultant and as Operations and Commercial Manager in Cowes Express.
Cowes Express: Solent Waters Fast Ferry Passenger Service Study
This study undertaken by Transheldrake for Cowes Express evaluated the potential for a fourth operator on the Solent and second operator between Cowes and Southampton. The study analysed the passenger traffic potential for a quality all weather service which did not exist on this route. Issues that were investigated were
· Rates and tariff packages
· Potential revenue returns for such a service
Cross Channel Fast Ferry Study
This study undertaken for Brewer & Wood by Transheldrake was one of the first to evaluated the demand for a central channel fast ferry route. Subsequent to this study several fast ferry services have been successfully introduced to the English Channel. The ports of Poole, Southampton and Portsmouth on the English coast and Le Havre Cherbourg and St Malo on the French coast were selected. The study covered the following issues.
· The passenger traffic was broken down into the various market sectors, car drivers, car passengers, coach passengers, classic passengers, weekend and day trip sectors
· Port Infrastructure both existing and potential was examined
· Rail connection possibilities and effected markets were identified
· Production of costings for the life of the project, compared to revenues from the demand models
· Customer service issues and timetable development
· Rates and tariff packages were analysed
· Optimum vessel size, speed and capacity were identified
Matchline Investments: Cirrus 120P Charter to Petrobas
Transheldrake in this study investigated and costed the logistics of shipping a Cirrus 120P surface effect ship from Southhampton UK to Recife, Brazil. The study assessed the operation for an extended charter to Petrobas (Brazilian Petroleum) for operation in Brazilian Atlantic offshore oilfield. The study encompassed
· Assessment of engineering spares and maintenance issues for period of charter
· Production of costings for the life of the project, compared to negotiated revenues
Transheldrake has been retained by SGS Canada (Societe Generale de Suvelliance) to undertake ships cargo sampling and vessel draft surveys within the Hamilton Niagara region of Ontario. The draft surveys are undertaken for various Great Lake’s shipping companies including Upper Lakes Group, Algoma Marine Group, and Canadian Steamships. Vessels from these fleets are regularly surveyed at the ore docks of Dofasco, Hamilton.
Port of Long Beach & Goldman Sachs: Alameda Corridor
This study assessed the growth of trans Pacific trade and the potential demand for the port of Long Beach. The development of a rail link called the Alameda Corridor to link the port to the hinterland and the national rail system. Transheldrake was responsible for
· Assessment of transhipment times to the central and eastern US
Cowes Express: Trans Solent Vehicle Ferry Study
This study by Transheldrake evaluated the potential of a second vehicle ferry operating into Cowes from Southampton. The study analysed the market trends and potential demand and costs of operation. It was recommended that such a service would not be viable under current economic and competitive conditions. The study evaluated the following issues
· The passenger traffic was broken down into the various market sectors, car drivers, car passengers, coach passengers, classic passengers, weekend and day trip sectors
· Port Infrastructure both existing and potential for expansion was examined
· Production of costings for the life of the project, compared to revenues from the demand models
Isle of Wight County Council: Dangerous Goods Across the Solent Study
Under the 1986 Traffic Act and 1986 Harbours Act dangerous goods that had been carried on mixed passenger and freight ferries were prohibited. As no alternative ferry service was available dispensations had to be sought for numerous dangerous good being carried on and off the Island on a daily basis. This study undertaken by future Transheldrake staff identified the dangerous goods in question and the relevant IMDG code. A case was presented to the Department of Transport that International regulations were not necessary on short sea routes in sheltered waters. The ministry granted dispensations to the Solent operators in accordance with the reports findings.
Isle of Wight County Council: Cowes Chain Ferry
Future Transheldrake staff were in charge of the overall management of the Cowes Chain Ferry. This ferry operated 365 days of the year between Cowes and East Cowes across the river Medina. Under the stewardship of Transheldrake various safety schemes were introduced including the use of marine radios. The financial performance was improved through research into the elasticity of demand on the fare tariffs, and a reorganized ticket tariff. The advertizing revenue was tripled with a renegotiated sponsorship package and change of sponsor.
Seaflight Management: Britannia Wharf, Cowes
Transheldrake with Captain Kemble undertook this basic feasibility study and initial management, setting up a yacht and ship repair service in a semi derelict site, Britannia Wharf (Shamblers yard). The yard consisted of 140 hectares, including six buildings/workshops, two cranes, dry dock, pier and pontoons. A 600 ton freighter was drydocked and repainted in this period.
Fast Ferry and Marine Operations
Cowes Express, White King, Cirrus 120 SES operated between Southampton and Cowes UK 1991-1992
Photo Beken of Cowes