Wight Shipyard Building Fast Ferry Duo for Mexico

Export orders continue for shipbuilder Wight Shipyard Co with a multiple vessel contract from Mexico’s largest ferry operator.

The order for two new 37-meter passenger ferries comes from Ultramar, who until now has built all its high speed ferries in the U.S. The newbuils will be the first British vessels to be built for Mexico in living memory.

“This order for Ultramar really is very satisfying as it continues our move into international markets,” said Wight Shipyard CEO, Peter Morton.

“Our reputation for high quality ferries is spreading and we are delighted to be awarded the contract to build our largest ferries yet. Ultramar operates a fleet of ferries between Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel ports in the Quintana Roo Peninsula.

“Ultramar is also hosting the annual conference of ferry industry body Interferry to be held this year in Cancún during October, so we are looking forward to joining with them at this important event,” Morton said.

“We are very proud to start a relationship with Wight Shipyard Co and we are certain that it will be a long and happy one for all,” says Germán Orozco, Chief Executive of Ultramar.

Designed by Incat Crowther, the Ultramar twins will each provide accommodation for 459 passengers over three decks. Passengers will board the new craft on the main deck forward and aft, where a bright and airy cabin is capable of seating up to 169 passengers. A kiosk providing a range of snacks and refreshments will be provided on the centerline in the middle of this cabin. On the external foredeck seating is provided for 24 passengers while located aft is a generous luggage space area and toilet block.

Above, the mid deck is accessed from a center staircase in the main cabin. External seating will be provided for 120 passengers while aft of the elevated wheelhouse interior seating is available for 24
passengers. Two external staircases aft lead to a roof deck where 122 seated passengers can enjoy commanding sea views.

In the hulls, the engine rooms are designed to provide crews with maximum access with all machinery arranged in the same space. The engine rooms are designed so the engines, two MTU 12V4000 M63 marine diesels, can be removed without slipping the vessel or damaging the superstructure or hull.

Principal particulars
Builder: Wight Shipyard Co
Designer: Incat Crowther
Length Overall: 37.m
Length waterline: 36.7m
Beam: 8.75m
Draft: 2.1m
Passengers: 459
Speed: 24 knots @75 percent MCR
Machinery
Main engines: Two MTU 12V4000 M63 marine diesel engines, each 1,500 kW @1,800 rpm
Emmissions: IMO Tier II
Gearboxes: Two ZF 5055, rated 2.731:1
Propulsion: Two fixed pitch propellers