Astilleros Españoles To Construct Innovative Ferry For Transmediterranea

Astilleros Españoles was chosen as the builder of a new RoRo cargo and passenger fast ferry, by Transmediterranea, Spain's largest shipowner. Intended for deployment by Transmediterranea on the routes running between mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary Islands, the vessel will be the epitome of the latest safety conditions. Technical solutions applied onboard will enable the ferry to operate at high speeds with a large capacity, while instilling passenger comfort. Top travel speeds of 23.5 knots on the engines' continuous service rating, allow the vessel to hold the title of the fastest and the most powerful in Transmediterranea's fleet. In order to maintain this high speed, propulsion power will be supplied by four 7,240 kW diesel engines rated at 500 rpm, with enhanced maneuverability by two 1,000 kW thrusters. Measuring 564 ft. (172m) in overall length, with a breadth of 82 ft. (25 m) and depth measuring 20 ft. (6.2 m), the 5,000-dwt RoRo can accommodate 1,000 passengers. Freight capacity consists of 1,800 lane meters, with a rolling cargo area comprised of three decks. Additionally, the vessel will house a special area for hazardous cargo and will include features such as restaurants, shops, swimming pools and fully air-conditioned accommodation areas. Keeping passenger safety and comfort in mind, large fin stabilizers and an active anti-heeling system have been specified, and are noted as an intricate feature of the ship's design, thus satisfying all the latest safety regulations. The vessel will be constructed at Astilleros' Puerto Real facilities in Cadiz, southern Spain, which in the past 18 months has recorded the delivery of vessels such as the Skane, the world's largest multi-purpose RoRo and train ferry.