VESSEL REVIEW | Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin – Russian operator places new inland and coastal ferry into service

Russia's R-Flot Group of Companies, via its R-Flot Shipbuilding Complex division, has completed construction of the first vessel in a new series of commuter ferries ordered by local shipowner State Transport Leasing Company.

Ice-strengthened hull for greater durability

Named after a famed 18th century Russian poet and statesman, Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin (Гавриил Романович Державин) belongs to the Project MPKS series, which are designed for operation in both inland and coastal waterways.

Design work on the Project MPKS ferries was done by R-Flot Design in compliance with Russian Classification Society rules including ice20 requirements and those covering navigation in inland and coastal waters.

The newbuild has a length of 31.95 metres (104.8 feet), a beam of 8.14 metres (26.7 feet), a draught of 1.4 metres (4.6 feet), a depth of 2.75 metres (9.02 feet), and space for 240 passengers and six crewmembers.

The passengers are accommodated in two enclosed cabins on the main and upper decks and an aft open area on the upper deck. The enclosed cabins have cushioned reclining seats with adjustable armrests, folding tables, and multimedia interfaces.

Ideal amenities for short commuter routes

The superstructure of each ferry has been laid out in a manner that would make it more convenient for passengers during embarkation and disembarkation via the bow.

The upper deck has air-conditioning and seating for up to 142 passengers. The forward compartment in this area just aft of the wheelhouse houses a refuse container and storage space for emergency equipment. The other portions of the main deck include emergency evacuation routes and storage spaces for liferafts.

The main deck has seating for 98 passengers including two with limited mobility, a bar, and two luggage racks. The four toilets on the main deck consist of two standard toilets, one toilet for passengers with limited mobility or those travelling with small children, and a toilet with a shower.

The propulsion arrangement consists of two 225kW (302hp) main diesel engines connected to two 900mm fixed-pitch propellers while a 30kW side thruster provides additional lateral manoeuvrability. Two generators supply electrical power for the onboard systems.

Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin and the second ferry in the Project MPKS series will both be operated by STLC in Samara Oblast in southwestern Russia.