Damen delivers sixth fast ferry to Korea

NOVEMBER 30, 2016 — Korean ferry operator Miraejet Co. Ltd. recently named its Damen Fast Ferry 4010 JET MV Nina in a ceremony at the Busan International Ferry Terminal. Nina was named after one of the ships deployed on Christopher Columbus’s first voyage. Miraejet Co. Ltd., will operate the new vessel between Busan and Tsushima island, Japan, a popular tourist destination.

Damen Shipyards fulfilled the order for the 40 m, 440-passenger ferry in just four months, customizing it with extra fendering in the bow section to protect it against the low quays that are used for mooring in Tsushima. A cargo room was also added to the upper deck. 

The ferry has been outfitted with a modern, fresh interior, providing high comfort levels for both passengers and crew.

“We were looking for a more efficient vessel compared to our existing monohull hydrofoil in terms of fuel consumption, but any new vessel should not compromise safety and comfort levels,” said Miraejet Co. Ltd. Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Hwang. “We considered several shipbuilders and also second-hand vessels. We chose Damen because it could provide us with an economically efficient vessel, which actually cuts fuel consumption in half and at the same time, enables us to double our passenger capacity.”

A swift delivery was also crucial and Damen could supply the fast ferry in under six months, compared to an 18-month to two-year delivery period at other yards.

Miraejet received good feedback from other operators of Damen fast ferries in the local market, Mrs. Hwang noted.

“As this is the sixth vessel Damen has delivered to South Korea, we had a pretty good idea about the advantages of the vessel and all the operators here seem quite satisfied,” she said.

Ater-sales service has also impressed Miraejet Co. Ltd.

“The attention to detail of the Damen maintenance program is excellent and has really been above my expectations,” says Mrs. Hwang,

“The Damen Fast Ferry 4010 is fitted with twin MJP 650 waterjets, enabling the vessel to have a speed of up to 34 knots,” says Robert Luth, Damen Product Manager Fast Ferries. “With two MTU 16V4000 main engines with a 1A rating, it only needs to be overhauled every 24,000 hours. This leads to a substantial reduction in maintenance costs when compared to other fast ferries.”