A Greek double-ender ferry built for a 15-minute crossing, delivered under own power over 5,981 nautical miles from Piraeus to Luanda.
It is always nice to receive compliments, especially when they come spontaneously after a very satisfying project. This one came from the Owners of the double-ended ferry PROTEAS, a typical Greek ferry with four azimuth thrusters, one on each corner and ramps forward and aft, of the kind that lines the shores of Salamina.
This ferry type is designed for the short crossing to Perama (Athens) of 1.2 kilometres, 0.65 nautical miles, that takes about 15 minutes. She found a new Owner in Angola. The voyage to her new home port was by comparison an astronomic 5,981 nautical miles taking 34 days, for which Redwise, with a history of 120 years of global ship delivery, was contacted and contracted.
Built as she was for short domestic runs, it will not come as a surprise that quite a few modifications and upgrades of safety, firefighting and navigational/radio equipment were required, as well as converting void spaces for additional bunker capacity. Next to that, equipping a galley, freezer capacity, freeing ports and ramp securing, to name the main items, all in compliance with the IACS guidelines. This was all done in close consultation with Owners, their representatives, builders, Class and the Marine Warranty Surveyor. Apart from the voyage, also the H&M and P&I cover were arranged by Redwise, as is done for approx. one third of all delivery voyages under own power on own keel. For this purpose a facility is in place with an A+ rated insurance group, one of the world's largest, through our trusted insurance brokers and based on 120 years of proven performance.
From Piraeus she sailed the length of the Mediterranean, out through the Strait of Gibraltar and past Tenerife, bunkering at Mindelo in the Cape Verde islands before the last leg south to Luanda, keeping within reach of the African coast rather than standing out into the Atlantic.
Receiving a compliment for our crews, superintendent and organisation is then the icing on the cake. An extra motivator that makes one feel proud when it comes from the heart.
Dear all,
This letter serves to inform everyone that the vessel Proteas arrived in Luanda yesterday in perfect condition. It is currently docked at the Cabotage Terminal of the Port of Luanda.
I would like to thank everyone for the excellent work carried out, the cooperation and dedication of all the teams involved in this journey. May the spirit of doing good continue to nourish everyone and may the partnership between our companies also continue.
-João Martins
Presidente do Conselho de Administração
Redwise, with a record and history of 120 years of global ship delivery this year, would like to thank all involved in making this one of the many successful delivery voyages under own power. Proving again that good seamanship, experience, trust, respect for the weather and each other can make successful voyages happen, that are out of the normal regulatory scope.
It is in Luanda that she now commences her working life.
