Russian operator Neva Travel has commenced operational sailings of a new catamaran ferry recently delivered by the Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant of United Shipbuilding Corporation.
Fort Obruchev belongs to the Project 04580 series of ferries designed by local engineering firm Forss Technology in compliance with Russian Maritime Register of Shipping requirements. The vessels may be operated both as commuter ferries and as tourist shuttles.
The Project 04580 ferries are capable of both inland and coastal sailings, as the design is optimised for operation in the waters in and around the city of Saint Petersburg as well as further out into the Gulf of Finland.
Fort Obruchev has all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 32 metres, a beam of 8.7 metres, a draught of 1.32 metres, a depth of 1.4 metres, a speed of 31 knots, and space for three crewmembers and 150 passengers in the main deck cabin and another 50 passengers on the open upper deck.
Fort Obruchev and other examples of the Project 04580 series are being operated by Neva Travel on behalf of State Transport Leasing Company.