Scandlines makes new bid for German ferries

Scandlines spokeswoman Anette Ustrup Svendsen in Copenhagen told The Motorship on Tuesday (7 January) “we have made an offer for the two vessels in Stralsund and are now waiting for feedback from the insolvency administrator”.

In Hamburg a spokesman for receiver Berthold Brinkmann told The Motorship the talks with the German-Danish ferry operator had already begun with the approval of banks and local officials and that the outcome would be put to shareholders of the yard. Reports said an early result was hoped for.

Scandlines cancelled the order for the two type SSF (short sea ferry) 1,600 lane-metre newbuildings after the P+S Werften Group went into administration in 2012. The ferry operator said the ships, one of which was nearly completed and the other half finished at the time, were too heavy and their draught was too great for the ports they would serve.

It is understood that Scandlines is now offering €25 million for both ships, which were originally ordered for €184 million. Local politicians are keen to see the issue resolved quickly but some are balking at the price being offered. An improved price is hoped for at talks because, as observers pointed out, a new deal is now also in Scandlines’ interest.

The operator last year signed a letter of intent with STX Finland for two alternative newbuildings, but according to recent reports that yard has also lost the work because of financing problems and because the ships would not be ready for several years.

The purchase of the two Volkswerft ships and their conversion to lower draught at another shipyard was now an option and could possibly be carried out much quicker, observers said. However shipbuilding experts were quoted as saying it would not be an easy job.