VESSEL REVIEW | Pyotr Stolypin – Hydrofoil commuter ferry to be deployed on Russia's inland waters

A new hydrofoil commuter ferry will soon commence operational sailings in Saratov Oblast in Russia's Volga Federal District.

Pyotr Stolypin (Пётр Столыпин) honours a former Prime Minister of the Russian Empire who had also served as Governor of Saratov Oblast. The vessel was designed and built by Alexeev's Hydrofoil Design Bureau for operation in small rivers in Central and Far Eastern Russia and is the second Project 23180 hydrofoil ferry to enter service in Saratov.

Improved operating efficiency over earlier hydrofoil vessels

The newbuild has an LOA of 21.3 metres (69.9 feet), a beam of 5.2 metres (17 feet), a maximum draught of only 1.1 metres (3.6 feet), a depth of 6.3 metres (21 feet), a displacement of 21.4 tons, and space for two crewmembers and up to 45 passengers.

The vessel’s propulsion setup consists of one MAN D2842LE410 12-cylinder diesel engine that can deliver a service speed of just over 35 knots and a range of 400 kilometres (250 miles). Operational trials of the Project 23180 showed that navigation is possible in wave heights of 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) and that the vessel can accelerate when turning while doing 32 knots.

This engine was selected for its fuel economy, as its fuel consumption levels over the same distances are lower than those of the diesel engines fitted on many other hydrofoil ferries in operation in Russia.

Commuter-friendly onboard layout

The hydrofoils are made of stainless steel, and unlike in earlier Project 23180 ferries, some of the control surfaces have been designed in such a way that flaps no longer need to be installed to ensure improved stability when transitioning to and from “foiling” mode.

The ferry was developed for operation during daylight hours in areas with air temperatures of between five and 30 degrees Celsius. The wheelhouse provides all-round visibility thanks to its placement near the bow and its being semi-recessed into the superstructure.

The insulated, climate-controlled main cabin boasts minimal noise and vibration levels and has an aft toilet and a crew rest area in addition to the passenger seating area. Embarkation and disembarkation can be done via a bow ramp or an aft platform.

Construction of the Project 23180 hydrofoil ferries was undertaken in compliance with Russian Classification Society requirements.

Pyotr Stolypin's delivery to Saratov followed the completion of tests. The ferry sailed under on its own power on its delivery voyage. Prior to starting operational sailings, the vessel conducted a series of trial voyages on the Volga River between Saratov and Balakovo.