Following delivery of the fourth 53-metre fast passenger/supply vessel 'Bourbon Norte', France-based shipbuilder Piriou Shipyards has announced plans for a 41-metre by 8.2-metre version of the successful design to be designated 'FPSV40'.
"This vessel is a smaller sister for the 53-metre series, keeping the same hull design that maximises the waterline length and gives a sharp bow to reduce the slamming and therefore increase the comfort of passengers and crew at sea," explains Piriou spokesperson Yannick Littoux.
The 53-metre vessels are powered by four Cummins KTA50-M2 engines, each producing 1,323kW at 1,900rpm. The smaller vessels will require only three of the KTA50-M2 engines, with each producing 1,193kW at 1,800rpm.
On the first vessels, to be delivered in the summer of 2014, the propulsion will be by fixed pitch propellers, but an option for water jets is included in the design. Speeds will be about 18 knots loaded, 27 knots lightship and 25 knots at 85% MCR with passengers on board.