Chinese yard to build 296 passenger ferry for Danish operator
Written by Nick Blenkey
The bike racks, as much as the flag, are an indication that the vessel will operate in Denmark
China’s Afai Southern Shipyard (Panyu Guangzhou) Ltd. is to build a 36 m, 296 passenger Incat Crowther designed fast ferry for Denmark’s Samsø municipality.
The contract was won in an open international tender and is Afai’s first fast ferry contract from a northern European customer. It is also the first order for a vessel of this type to be placed in China by a Danish operator.
The aluminum hulled catamaran will operate between Aarhus and Samsø an island of natural beauty sitting off the Jutland Peninsula.
The intention of the new operation is to bolster tourism and trade between the island and the mainland, based on community planning reports that a new passenger ferry service could bring significant economic benefit to the community.
Incat Crowther’s brief was to develop an economically responsible solution. The vessel is optimized for high durability, low maintenance and efficient operation, while delivering a high level of passenger comfort and amenity.
The vessel will accommodate 296 passengers internally on two decks. They will board the vessel at one of three boarding stations on each side of the main deck: aft, midship and foredeck.
The main deck has a large aft deck with double-decker racks for 60 bicycles. The main passenger cabin accommodates 180 passengers. Toilet facilities are located in the aft of the cabin, forward of which is a fully-featured kiosk. Adjacent to the midship boarding area is a pair of luggage racks. Areas of the main deck cabin are designated as being pet-friendly and specifically for kids. An additional 11 bikes can be stowed on the foredeck.
The upper deck cabin seats 116, with a bathroom for passengers and a dedicated bathroom for crew located forward. The open aft upper deck has 44 seats, in addition to the rated passenger capacity, offering passengers the freedom to move inside and out at safely designated times.
The vessel will be powered by a pair of MAN D2862 LE463 main engines, each producing 1,029 kW. She will operate at 25 knots at a modest MCR to reduce load on the engines and reduce maintenance intervals. Maximum speed will be 29.5 knots.
The Incat Crowther hulls have been designed specifically for high efficiency and low fuel burn.
The vessel will be built to BV rules and flagged under the Danish Maritime Authority.
