Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd

25/12/2023

Sulivan Shipping would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas 🎄

24/12/2023

Sulivan Shipping would like to say a big thank you to the Royal Falkland Islands Police for their support and organisation, entertaining the A&K Kids Programme from the Le Lyrial today.
A fantastic time was had by all. 😊

24/12/2023

Christmas Eve visits from Le Lyrial & Hanseatic Spirit

22/12/2023

Silver Wind returned today, seems like they were only just here (it was on Saturday 😁)

21/12/2023

The Silver Cloud in Port William this morning.
Last tender: 16:00

20/12/2023

We also have "Hanseatic Inspiration" in port today. Last Tender: 1430

20/12/2023

Today we have "Hondius" visiting Stanley. Last zodiac: 1300

18/12/2023

Fram back for another visit (less wind this time!) Ginger bread village constructed again.

16/12/2023

Today we have the Silver Wind in port, guests are out on tours this morning before enjoying leisure time in Stanley.

Last tender: 16:00

13/12/2023

Today we welcome the Viking Jupiter in port, guests are away on tours this morning before enjoying leisure time in Stanley.

Last tender: 18:00

06/12/2023

Plant Operator / Boatman - Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd have a vacancy for a plant operator / boatman to work within the agency services team.
Duties will include operating company plant and machinery in support of transhipment operations at FIPASS, working on agency launches to support the marine industry, maintenance of launches and machinery and any other duties to support the company’s operational requirements.
The successful applicant will be required to participate in a duty “on-call” weekly roster.
This position will require working frequent overtime outside of normal working hours, a high degree of flexibility and teamwork is essential.
A 6-month trial period will be offered in the first instance.
Salary commencing at £26,000 per annum (40hrs per week) plus overtime (1.5) and double time payable.
Entitlements: 24 days leave per year, sick leave, annual bonus
Training will be provided.
For further information please contact Russell Morrison on 51856, Email: [email protected]

05/12/2023

After having visited a handful of the more notable spots in East, Europa races against the strongest blows to come.

Motor sailing and making the fastest progress we can, we spent last afternoon until about 01:00 AM, when we made it to Stanley jetty, luckily before the strong Northerlies would have made for a more complicated mooring.

Yesterday’s last hours of the day were spent gradually taking sails down, furling them, and preparing decks, mooring ropes and fenders for going alongside.

So this morning we woke up moored just in front of the town centre, under grey rainy skies and strong wind gusts often just over the 30kn.

In the bay, close by holding her position against the stormy weather the relatively large passenger ship Fram, waiting for her chance to work the landing with zodiacs when the wind and seas abate, the situation forecasted for the afternoon.

Regardless of the weather, we were all eager to spend a full day wandering around the capital town.

Despite the bad weather welcoming us to town, eye-catching is the colorful settlement with its houses painted in different colors, the lack of high large buildings, and the large amount of four-wheel drive cars that everybody seems to drive here.

Not surprising if we think of the kind of dirt roads that stretch out of the settlement to all other surrounding areas and the common here framing lifestyle.

Ashore many gathered first at the Visitor’s Centre, right at the port, where some books, stamps, and souvenirs could be found, together with internet access, not available again until the end of the trip in Ushuaia.

Under the easing winds and improving weather, we walked around visiting local shops and pubs. A few others preferred a walk along the shores of the bay, even all the way to the magnificent old iron barque Lady Elizabeth, Stanley's most dramatic shipwreck. Her full 68m hull lays in the shallows close to the beach. Launched in 1879 she is a good example of the old sea-going going bulk-carriers, that got into trouble while rounding the Horn in 1913, finding her final place of rest here.

Close by the informative town’s museum, well assorted on the history of the town and the nature of the islands. In the middle of the town stands out the Christ Church Cathedral, surrounded by gardens where we can find the characteristic Whalebone Arch, built in 1933 from the jawbones of two Blue whales, 41 years after the church opened its doors.

While we had our time ashore in the afternoon, the local authorities came aboard with their rodent-searching smart dog to be sure no rats or mice had found shelter in any corner below decks or on our decks. Important matter together with the biosecurity procedures for our next visit to South Georgia.

And by 18:00h it was time to come back to the ship for a good dinner, welcomed at the nearby floating pontoons by a small group of Sea lions snoozing in the evening good weather. And afterward, Europa undid her moorings and spent the night at anchor at the bay, avoiding the forecasted increasing winds and to be ready to set sail straight away in the morning.

04/12/2023

02/12/2023

Sunshine and good weather welcome us to West Point Island in the morning and Grave Cove in the afternoon, before the meteorological conditions turn.

Starting in the early hours of the day from New Island, the morning finds us steering in the relatively strong winds through narrow and tidal dependent passages to drop anchor at Hope Harbour. Once there and thanks to the good shelter offered by the small bay, the seas are flat and the wind calms down. These conditions plus the blue skies anticipate a great day of landings and excursions.

Right in front of the ship, we could see the little settlement owned by the Napier family since 1959. But due to their advanced age, they leased the island and the farm to a new couple that now takes care of the place, balancing farming and nature conservation.
They both greeted us ashore before we all started our way, an easy 2 km walk over grazed grassy slopes. In the end, crossing to the Eastern coast of the island a spectacular cliff with the appealing name of “Devil’s Nose” is crowned by a large Black-browed albatross colony mixed up, as it usually happens here, with a Rockhopper penguin rookery.

Avian flu dangers make for extra biosecurity measures in many of the landing sites privately owned, before stepping into the proximity of the birds. There, wooden and metal poles make a basic fence marking the maximum approach distance we can have to their nests, and indeed it was surprisingly close to them where we could all stand in silence and enjoy the doings of the abundant birdlife. They nest in the clearings amongst the high tussock grass, now sitting on their eggs and having their own private quarrels for the available space.

A short extension of the walk brought us to the edge of the yellow lichen-covered rocks of another scenic viewpoint of Devil’s Nose.
Several of the beautiful Black-browed albatrosses perch their nests here, while below our feet ferocious swell crashed against the rocks. The scene is astounding, and the good weather helps all of us to greatly enjoy this spot, which is home to over 2000 pairs of Black-browed albatrosses plus about 500 couples of Rockhopper penguins.

Time flew away fast and soon we realized it was time to make the way back to the settlement jetty to be picked up and get back on board.

Lying just barely a couple of miles away is Grave Cove, where we are heading during lunch for a planned afternoon activity ashore.

Now we land on the main West Island. So far we have been setting foot over smaller islets and islands. All of them put together in the whole archipelago count over 700. 15km away from the disembarkation beach is the farm of the landowners. They man the area putting lots of effort into Nature Conservation but combining it with a rational use of the land, where 3500 sheep graze. Marie and her family, French by birth but now considered basically locals, live here and work in the area. She and her son welcomed us and walked around the whole area with us during the time spent ashore. Starting from the so-called Grave Cove (denomination derived from the 13 sealers buried here during a sealing era in the 18-hundreds) an easy stroll along pastures spotted by Upland geese, some Ruddy-headed, Crested ducks, and Spectacled teals, brings us to the largest Gentoo penguin rookery in the islands counting about 5000 pairs. They stretch over a large area in small groups. Luckily we just came here when the eggs just started to hatch. Some still incubate their eggs, others are proud parents of one or two chicks.

Skuas and Caracaras know it too and patrol the area tirelessly in search of either.

A bit further a wonderful long sand beach is located. The gate for the penguins to get into the sea or come back home. Many are busy there jumping in and out of the breaking swells of the turquoise waters.

And is not just them enjoying this beach, they share it with numerous Commerson’s dolphins that swim around amused as well by the good surfing conditions.

After yet another great afternoon ashore, it was time to get back on board. Before our evening meal, the locals that have embarked with us, presented an interesting and informative talk about the Islands and how it is to live and work the land here.

Out on deck, we could feel the wind picking up, scattered showers passing by and the clouds rolling over the mountains. In the bridge the barometer drops. Sure tomorrow will not be sunny and flat calm like the weather we had so far for the last couple of days.

Anyway, there’s a plan to try to accomplish and despite the forecasted strong winds we will try to get to Carcass Island to attempt there a morning landing.

- Jordi Plana Morales, Expedition Leader

02/12/2023

Yesterday evening, the first lands of New Island were in sight. At night as the sails gradually came down, the Europa approached and dropped anchor at the South Harbour of New Island, the west-most inhabited island of the archipelago.

A surprisingly diverse and rich spot for local wildlife and striking scenery that really makes for spending the whole day in the area. An important spot in the history of the region, as an early site for whaling and sealing.

Looking back to the year 1774, they were the American sealing vessels that anchored here, following a relatively short period during which the island suffered the depletion of marine mammals, penguins, albatross, and other wildlife as sources of oil and food. Framed on these island’s bloody period, one of the most interesting stories here happened in 1813 when an American from Nantucket, Captain Charles H. Barnard together with a handful of his crew, marooned on New Island whilst engaged in a sealing venture around the area on board the Nanina. To survive they together built a rough stone shelter at the head of the nowadays called Settlement Harbour. Right where we made our first footsteps ashore after being at sea since nine days ago. As a reminder of the history of the island here stands the “Barnard Museum”.

A couple of miles further north, the Norwegian entrepreneur Salvesen established the only land-based whaling station in the region that functioned between 1908 and 1916.

Like many other islands and terrains in the area, New Island was leased in 1860 for farming purposes too. A succession of settlers engaged in sheep and cattle farming until as recently as 1972 when the whole of the island was sold to Roddy Napier and Ian Strange, who gradually got more and more involved in scientific research support, Conservation projects, and tourism. Nowadays the island is regulated and manned by the Conservation Trust, depending on the Wildlife Conservation Society.

With high expectations to set foot on land, we welcome the calm sunny morning, and after preparing the deck and zodiacs, soon we head towards “Coffin Harbour”. A shipwreck lays at their sandy beach, the Protector, beached at this shore. Built in 1943, she arrived in the region in 1949 to work for the sealing industry, then she was reassigned as a freighter between the islands, ending her life in 1969. At its back, there’s the Barnard Memorial Museum, opened for us. With a good display of sealing and whaling artifacts, a collection of books and souvenirs locally crafted and informative boards, it represented a good start for heading afterward inland along green meadows to the top of the 170m high cliffs overlooking the ocean on the western side of the island.

Turkey vultures glide over our heads and Striated Caracaras walk around always curious. Falkland steamer ducks, Crested ducks, Upland, Kelp, and the rarer Ruddy-headed geese are soon spotted too.

Contrasting with the gentleness of the eastern coast, the exposed west shoreline is the precipitous home for several Black-browed albatrosses and King cormorant colonies, together and mixed up with large rookeries of Rockhopper penguins. A breathtaking sight both for the scenery and the tame wildlife, which we can approach until a well-marked delimitation perimeter by the locals, who accompany us during the visit.

Many Black-browed albatrosses lay on their eggs, others display courtship behavior. Mixed with them are the ubiquitous Rockhopper penguins. Countless King cormorants with their feather tufts adorning their heads and deep blue rings around their eyes are also incubating and tirelessly picking up grasses and any building material available around for their nests.

They, together with some albatrosses fly and glide at a scarce couple of meters from our heads.

All around, plenty of opportunities for scavengers and predators like the Kelp and dolphin gulls, Skuas, and Striated caracaras to get a morsel stealing the eggs of the other birds.

A wonderful morning, unique experiences with the local wildlife, and a great introduction to the region. But in the afternoon there was more to come.

After a short repositioning of the ship, soon we find ourselves at “Ship Harbour”, where the sun shines and the breeze picks up.

A slightly rougher zodiac ride brought us to a small pocket beach from where evading numerous Magellanic penguin burrows on the soft ground that leads to a sort of dirt road, we start the afternoon bit of a hike.

First, down below we leave a pond around which hundreds of geese breed, and the “North Harbour beach”. Nowadays is teeming with life, in the early 19th century it was home for sealing operations. The locals met us again at about this point to show us a detour on the hike to a secluded and scenic black-browed colony, perched up high on the characteristic cliffs of the north and western coasts of the island. The seas break hard down below, the birds glide over our heads, while others quietly lay on their eggs next to us.

Continuing with a little more walking, we end up at the Gentoo penguin rookery that characterizes this part of the island.

Located at the top of the ample saddle between North Bluff and the rounded Bold Hill, from there a gentle slope downhill leads to an open valley with good access to the sea along a lovely white sandy beach. Sure there it's just amazing to spend some quiet time observing the penguin gatherings both ashore and in the swell, on their way back and forth the water.

Now just a short way back along a well-trodden path led us back to the landing beach, where the wind has increased together with a bit of a swell, making for some a wet ride back to the ship, where soon dinner was served. A fantastic first day spent at New Island, a great welcome to the region, with its friendly and helpful people, stunning scenery, and charismatic wildlife.

- Jordi Plana Morales, Expedition Leader

02/12/2023

The Greg Mortimer alongside FIPASS today.
Last Shuttle: 16:00 from the JVC

28/11/2023

A windy, dull day in Stanley but the Fram have started to disembark guests to explore the town at their leisure.

Last tender: 17:30

28/11/2023

0100 Tuesday - Bark Europa arrives in Stanley for a short visit - very slick arrival by Captain & crew, Thanks to Marcus & Lucas for turning out to tie her up.

27/11/2023

Today we welcome the Roald Amundsen in port, guests are enjoying leisure time in Stanley along with participating in a range of tours.

Last tender: 17:30

26/11/2023

The Plancius in port this morning, guests enjoyed a couple hours in Stanley before their onward journey.

25/11/2023

Today we welcome the Ocean Endeavour into Stanley - guests will enjoy exploring Stanley at their leisure.

Last zodiac - 21:00

22/11/2023

20/11/2023

Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd currently have a vacancy for a boatman to work on the agency launches. Other duties will include maintenance of launches and machinery, operating company plant and machinery in support of transhipment operations at FIPASS and any other duties to support the company’s operational requirements. A high degree of flexibility is required.
The successful applicant will be required to participate in a duty “on-call” weekly roster. This position will require working frequent overtime outside of normal working hours.
A 6-month trial period will be offered in the first instance.
For further information please contact Craig Thain on 51953.

18/11/2023

Polar Pioneer in for her 3rd passenger exchange & Ocean Adventurer on a port visit today

17/11/2023

Today we welcomed the Island Sky into Stanley.
Unfortunately, the weather was not very welcoming but guests enjoyed some time at Gypsy Cove and in Stanley.

Here’s some photos from their less windy and much brighter day at Grave Cove on Wednesday.

Photo credits to Marie-Paul.

16/11/2023

Silver Wind making her 1st visit to Stanley for this season

13/11/2023

NG Explorer, Ocean Nova & Roald Amundsen visiting Stanley today

11/11/2023

Ocean Albatros - making 1st ever visit to Stanley today.

09/11/2023

Scenic Eclipse on her 1st visit of the this season

07/11/2023

Seaventure & Fram both in Stanley today.

04/11/2023

Today we welcome the NG Endurance, Ocean Victory and Polar Pioneer to Stanley.
Guests are making their way ashore now.

Last zodiac timings are as follows:
Ocean Victory: 14:00
NG Endurance: 12:45
Polar Pioneer will be berthed at FIPASS for the duration of the day and overnight.

03/11/2023

Silver Endeavour making her 1st visit to the Islands today, blessed with calm & sunny weather. Magellan Explorer & Polar Pioneer also in Stanley today. (Pic: I Ceballos)

02/11/2023

The NG Endurance arriving at Saunders Island this morning. We look forward to welcoming her into Stanley on Saturday.

Photo credits to Louise Pole-Evans
Lindblad Expeditions

02/11/2023

Viking Octantis visiting Stanley today, passenger visits ashore at mercy of the winds unfortunately

29/10/2023

Well that's the 1st month of cruise ship season done! 7 Passenger Exchanges (so no rest on Saturdays..) & 2 Port Calls. ~100 Pax had land based holidays before starting their cruises. The weather had it's say on both Ship & Aircraft movements but we got there with hard work by our staff & many other companies & individuals. Bring it on November 🤞

20/10/2023

Polar Pioneer makes a return after few years break. Embarking passengers on Saturday.

14/10/2023

Magellan Explorer arrived back today, after a rough ride from South Georgia. Passengers appear to have enjoyed their cruise however.

14/10/2023

Sea Spirit berthed at FIPASS on Friday afternoon, ready to embark passengers on Saturday.
Photo: D Joshua

06/10/2023

3 of our launches underwent their regulatory hull surveys this week. "John Davis" is now tucked away in our warehouse for some TLC. Thanks to SAAS, Scout, Atlink Ltd & Neil McKay Ltd for assisting our staff to make it all happen in a few hours.