Turkey's Nova Shipyard has launched the 31-metre aluminium-hulled ferry and tourist shuttle Inis Oirr Express at its facility in Yalova.
Turkish media reported that the vessel is the final unit in a two-ship series built by Nova Shipyard. Sea trials will be conducted before the ferry departs for Europe.
On September 8, Irish operator Doolin Ferry introduced Inis Oírr Express as, "the newest addition to the Doolin Ferry fleet and sister ship to our flagship, Cliffs of Moher Express."
The earlier vessel has already commenced operational sailings to and from the Aran Islands and is also being used for sightseeing excursions around her namesake cliffs.
The new ferry can also accommodate 295 passengers and has a cruising speed of 20 knots. She was built under Bureau Veritas classification.
Inis Oírr Express is fitted with IMO Tier III-compliant engines and exhaust gas treatment systems. She also has a blackwater treatment system.
Genco Yener, founder and CEO of Nova Shipyard, previously told Baird Maritime that the series was, “designed and built specifically for the demanding sea conditions of Ireland’s Atlantic coast,” and that the project was carried out in close cooperation with French naval architecture firm Mer et Design.