Largest Spanish RoPax Enters Service

The largest Spanish flagged RoPax ferry, named Fortuny, has been delivered by IZAR's Puerto Real shipyard to the Spanish shipowner Trasmediterranea. The contract for the construction of this ferry was landed by Puerto Real yard, formerly part of Astilleros Españoles group, on July 30, 1999. The new ferry has become the fastest vessel to join the owner's fleet, with a 23.5 knot speed on the engines' 85 percent continuous service rating.

On trials, the vessel reached a top speed or more than 25 knots. Propulsion power is supplied by four 7,240 kW diesel engines rated at 500 rpm, coupled by pairs to two shaft lines and two CP propellers. Maneuvering equipment includes two 1,000 kW bow-tunnel thrusters.

With an overall length of 566 ft. (172 m), a breadth of 86 ft. (26.2 m) and a depth of 20 ft. (6.2 m), the ferry is also the largest in Trasmediterranea’s fleet. The vessel has a capacity to carry 1,000 passengers, part of them in 200 cabins. Accommodation is also provided for 71 crew.

The ship incorporates spacious and comfortable public areas and includes restaurants, shops, nursery school, swimming pools (even an indoor winter pool), sauna, jacuzzis, solarium, gym, cinema, disco, and several bars and lounges. Of the vessel's total 25,000 sq. m. built area, 10,000 sq. m. are exclusively occupied by passenger and crew spaces. The vessel has a freight capacity of 1,800 lane meters, equivalent to 80 trucks and 336 cars. The rolling cargo area comprises three decks.

The ship satisfies all the latest safety regulations. Large area fin stabilizers and an active anti-heeling system have been incorporated. This vessel completes the fleet renewal program of Spain's leading shipping company.

IZAR Hosts Keel Laying Of LNG Carrier The keel was laid last month for the first of three LNG carriers being built at IZAR Puerto Real yard for Elcano for servicing the transport of natural gas from Repsol's concession in Trinidad Tobago to Spain.

The operators for the remainder of the LNG series that is being constructed at IZAR Sestao yard, will be Knutsen OAS Shipping and Naviera Tapias.

Scheduled to enter service in 2003, the vessel series was recently enlarged with a fourth order, placed by Spanish power company Union Fenosa.