Russia's State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) has taken delivery of a new sightseeing catamaran that will be operated by Saint Petersburg-based transport provider Neva Travel.
Ravelin is the second vessel of the Project 04710 series of sightseeing catamarans designed by Russian marine engineering firm Forss Technology in compliance with Russian Maritime Register of Shipping rules. Bastion (pictured), the first vessel in the series, was handed over to STLC earlier this year.
Construction took place at the Saint Petersburg facilities of the Sredne Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant division of state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation.
The design work on the Project 04710 catamarans had also considered the sailing conditions in the Gulf of Finland, particularly the narrow channels and inner harbours situated between Saint Petersburg proper and the outlying island forts of Kronstadt, Kronshlot, and Imperator Aleksandr Pervyy.
Like Bastion, Ravelin has a length of 27.3 metres, a beam of 7.5 metres, a draught of only 1.8 metres, a depth of 2.5 metres, a displacement of 70 tonnes, and space for up to 120 passengers and three crewmembers.
Two diesel engines each rated 220 kW will drive propellers via shaftlines to enable the vessel to reach a service speed of 11 knots and sail up to 400 nautical miles.
Passengers can be seated in the enclosed, air-conditioned main deck cabin and on an open-air upper deck, which would provide unobstructed views of the surroundings.
The main deck cabin features a multimedia infotainment system, cushioned seating, and a snack bar. All onboard spaces have been laid out to ensure improved access for people with limited mobility.