Stirling Design takes a new look at sight-seeing vessels

French naval architect Stirling Design has unveiled a new design for a sight seeing vessel featuring a continuous open promenade deck and an upper panoramic lounge protected from the weather.

The upper lounge is clearly separated from the vessel’s catamaran hulls giving the feeling of journey in suspension above the water, inspired by cable cars.

All technical and service spaces (bar, toilets, bikes storage, ship access, etc.) are gathered at main deck level. The upper deck is clear of any bulkhead that could reduce the panoramic view. The front of the upper lounge and wheelhouse are separated by a glazed bulkhead.

The upper lounge gives access to long cantilevered catwalks, used as wheelhouse wing bridge forward and exterior panoramic lounge aft.

The 26 m catamaran can accommodate 230 passengers. Two stairs between the main deck and the upper deck provide for safe evacuation and allow the crew to serve the two decks during navigation or at dockside.

Two 600 kW main engines allow a service speed of 18 knots.

Built in aluminum, the catamaran is made up of shapes designed to reduce construction cost.

Main characteristics
Length at perpendiculars : 22.10 m
Length over all : 26.30 m
Width molded : 9.70 m
Width over all : 9.90 m
Depth : 3.00 m
Design draught : 1.30 m
Engine power : 2 x 600 kW
Service speed (85 percent PMC) : 18 knots
Passengers capacity : 100
Max passengers capacity : 230
Crew members : 3

March 29, 2011