Associated British Ports

SHIP-NAMING CEREMONY HERALDS CLOSER TIES BETWEEN ABP IPSWICH AND FERRYWAYS
The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Penny Breakwell, was the Lady Sponsor at a ship-naming ceremony held at Associated British Ports� (ABP) Port of Ipswich today (Monday, 14 July). Formerly named m.v. Rodona, the ship was officially re-christened m.v. Ipswich Way by the Lady Mayor in the traditional manner with a bottle of champagne broken across its bow.

The ceremony, hosted by Robert Smith, Port Manager, ABP Ipswich, included a service of dedication at the Port�s West Bank conducted by the Rev. Ken Martin of The Felixstowe and Haven Ports� Seafarers� Centres.

Recently acquired by cargo-ferry operators Ferryways, the 136-m long ship was re-named the m.v. Ipswich Way in honour of the company�s strong links with the port. The m.v. Ipswich Way is the fourth ship to join Ferryways� fleet which operates a daily service of four sailings between Ipswich and Ostend.

Councillor Breakwell joined guests, including local civic and business dignitaries, at a lunchtime reception held at the port�s Waterfront Conference Centre in Old Custom House. Proceedings were later drawn to a close with a speech by Ferryways� Managing Director, Jacques Dewilde. This followed a presentation ceremony in which the Mayor and the Captain of the m.v. Ipswich Way received commemorative gifts from Robert Smith and Jacques Dewilde.

Speaking at the conclusion of the day�s celebrations, Port Manager Robert Smith expressed his delight at hosting the ceremony.

�This has been a real honour for ABP�s Port of Ipswich. That Ferryways chose to re-name their new vessel the m.v. Ipswich Way, and to hold the naming ceremony here, is a real accolade for the port and the town. Given its significance to the local community, we felt it was entirely appropriate that the Mayor was asked to serve as the Lady Sponsor and we are extremely grateful to her for accepting the invitation. We have rapidly built a strong relationship with Ferryways which I hope will become even stronger.�

Echoing Robert Smith�s sentiments, Jacques Dewilde spoke highly of the event�s hosts.

�Our connection with Ipswich is so strong that we felt it was only natural that we should name our newest vessel after the port and town and hold the ceremony here. I would like to thank Robert and his team for putting in so much effort to make this happen; it has been very much appreciated.�

Operating a roll-on/roll-off ferry service, Ferryways commenced its service at the Port of Ipswich in 2000. The number of crossings between Ipswich and Ostend will now increase to 21 a week with this latest addition to Ferryways� fleet. The number of sailings made by the company�s fleet between the two ports has tripled in the last three years.

The colourful and scenic waterfront at Ipswich is undergoing a �350 million regeneration which has brought together Ipswich Borough Council, ABP and a wide range of private and public-sector partners. New marinas, homes, restaurants and offices have been completed and more are in the pipeline.

14th July 2003

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