Working Conditions Aboard the Paglia-Orba

ABB has announced an innovative upgrade for Corsica Linea's ferries that will transform their environmental impact while docked in the Port of Marseille, France. The company’s cutting-edge shore connection technology is set to significantly reduce both emissions and noise pollution by enabling the vessels to operate silently on electricity while at berth. The ferries Paglia Orba, Jean Nicoli, and Pascal Paoli will benefit from this advancement, eliminating the need to run diesel-powered auxiliary engines. Each of these three vessels will undergo modifications to incorporate ABB's power compensation solution known as Dynacomp. This system is designed to step down electricity from the local grid in Marseille to 11KV, ensuring that the ships can meet their power requirements without affecting the local community. "ABB shore connection technology delivers the kind of emissions-free ship power that is increasingly demanded by regulators, ports, and local residents alike. With this proven solution in place, Paglia Orba, Jean Nicoli, and Pascal Paoli will operate without emissions when docked in Marseille," stated Ludovic Amouroux, Project Manager at Corsica Linea. According to estimates, the conversion is expected to utilize between 7MWh and 11MWh of zero-emission power per docking, depending on the specific vessel.

In a dramatic late-night incident on September 5, 2017, a crew member aboard the ferry 'Paglia Orba' required urgent medical attention due to a serious heart condition. The vessel was navigating the waters between Ajaccio and Marseille, approximately 38 nautical miles from port. The CROSS Med swiftly activated a helicopter from Corsica, which was equipped with a qualified doctor, to assist with the medical evacuation. The helicopter, operated by the Civil Defense, was deployed around 10 p.m. As the ferry turned back to facilitate the aircraft's arrival, the sick crew member was safely transported to the hospital in Ajaccio by 11:30 p.m., ensuring he received the necessary care in a timely manner.

On April 12, 2016, at approximately 8 a.m., the ferry 'Paglia Orba' experienced a significant engine failure while navigating the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. The vessel was en route from Porto-Vecchio to Marseille when the crew reported an electrical malfunction leading to a loss of main propulsion. At 8:15 a.m., the CROSS Med in Corsica was alerted to the situation, highlighting concerns that the vessel was only six kilometers off the Corsican coast with 293 individuals onboard, consisting of 241 passengers, 52 crew members, and 173 vehicles. To maintain safety, the ferry was instructed to move eastward away from the coast, ensuring a safe distance of at least 10 miles to mitigate risks associated with potential further engine issues. The Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean initiated rapid response efforts, deploying the tugboat 'Altagna' from Bastia's port, while an assessment and response team from the navy was strategically positioned at Hyères Naval Air Base, ready for deployment if needed. At 10:30 a.m., the Maritime Prefect notified the ferry's owner of the situation, emphasizing the need for safety measures for both the ship and its passengers. In light of the circumstances, the captain made the prudent decision to divert to Bastia for assistance from a harbor tug for maneuverability. By 11:30 a.m., the 'Paglia Orba' confirmed a restoration of much of its propulsion power and continued its course toward Bastia, arriving safely at around 4:30 p.m. The 'Altagna' was present to provide added support as a precautionary measure. Throughout the incident, continuous monitoring was conducted by the CROSS Med, the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean, and lighthouse stations located in La Chiapa and Alistro Sagro. Following repairs, the ferry departed Bastia at 9:30 p.m. for Marseille, with an expected arrival time of April 13 at 9:30 a.m. For further details, refer to the French report with photos at the source link.