STX Rauma lays keel for double-ended ferry

Written by Marine Log Staff

finferriesFinland’s STX Rauma Shipyard recently held the keel-laying of the double-ended ferry for Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy (Finferries). The environmentally friendly next-generation ferry will be delivered to Finferries at the end of this year for service on the Korpo – Houtskär route beginning in 2013.

A traditional keel-laying ceremony was witnessed by representatives of Suomen Lauttaliikenne (Finferries), STX Finland and the classification society Bureau Veritas.

Particular attention has been given to the efficiency and safety of the ferry by, for example, minimizing the docking time with help of wide bow and stern ramps. The ferry, capable of running in both directions, is 65 meters long and 12.8 meters wide and has the capacity to carry some 250 passengers, three tandem trailers and 39 cars. The ship features a modern passenger seating saloon with cafeteria.

The shipyard will also building three floating link spans that will be used to drive cars onto the ferry.   

“This project is significant for STX Rauma Shipyard as the impact for the employment in the current under-load situation is important. The project has advanced as planned. The ferry which represents the cutting-edge technology in its field will be launched in June and delivered to the customer at the end of 2012,” says Toivo Ilvonen, Director of STX Rauma Shipyard.

“It has been a pleasure to note that a Finnish partner was an excellent choice. We believe that both crew and passengers will appreciate the enhanced qualities of the new vessel,” says Mats Rosin, Managing Director of Finferries / Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy.

April 22, 2012

Categories: Ferries Tags: , , ,

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