Knud E. Hansen develops 212-meter RoPax design

RoPax has a large battery bank to power the vessel while dockside, allowing for zero emissions in port.

The latest design unveiled by Danish naval architectural consultancy Knud E. Hansen is an innovative 212-meter RoPax ferry that can transport up to 700 passengers and 390 cars. The vessel also offers 2,955 lane meters for trucks and trailers.

The designer says that its layout and access arrangements make it an ideal choice for the Mediterranean market, although it is also well suited for a variety of locations and operating conditions worldwide.

The vessel has a service speed of 23 knots and can operate close to optimum engine load, even at slow speeds. The two propulsion engines have a combined power of approximately 25.6 Megawatts and are fueled by marine diesel oil (MDO).

For the hotel load, two gensets, each about 1,500 kW are provided. There are also two tunnel thrusters, each about 1,500 kW, located at the bow, which, combined with the twin screw arrangement gives the vessel high degree of maneuverability, a very desirable feature for Mediterranean mooring.

There is also a large battery bank to power the vessel while dockside, allowing for zero emissions in port.

The vessel features two car decks below the main deck, and two trailer decks above the main deck. The lower decks are accessed via fixed ramps. The main deck gives priority to trucks, which can be easily loaded via an extra-wide stern ramp. The upper trailer decks are accessed via a tiltable/hoistable ramp. There is also a dedicated passenger ramp at the stern with an escalator leading to the accommodation decks. As an option, a hoistable car deck with a capacity of 390 cars can be arranged in the upper garage. Decks 6 and 7 are devoted to passenger accommodation and public spaces, which are well suited for both day voyages and overnight passages.

There are a total of 100 twin-occupancy, en suite cabins for passengers. Deck 6 features a self-service restaurant, bar lounge, airline-type seating lounge, a la carte restaurant, internet café, reception and shopping area. There is an open passenger area on deck 8, with sun shades, a kiosk, and ample seating.

The wheelhouse is located on Deck 8 along with 17 crew/officer cabins as well as dining and recreation facilities for all staff. 21 double crew cabins are arranged forward in the upper trailer garage area. The vessel has two passenger elevators providing access to all vehicle and accommodation decks and one service elevator.

The vessel is certified as a EuroClass Type A ship and is fully SOLAS compliant. Knud E. Hansen aims to achieve the highest level of survivability with strict adherence to Safe Return to Port (SRtP) requirements through the inclusion of redundant, segregated power and propulsion systems as well as passenger safe havens and an auxiliary wheelhouse.