Spanish shipbuilder Aister has laid the keel of a new passenger vessel ordered by French transport company SPM Ferries.
Janot will utilise a design developed by UK naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine.
She will replace the earlier ferry Jeune France in serving SPM's routes between the municipality of Saint-Pierre and the neighbouring island of Langlade in the French overseas territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon near Newfoundland in Canada.
Chartwell said the new ferry has been developed specifically for the route, where challenging waters and location creates a demanding operating environment. Access to Langlade presented a particular challenge due to the island’s limited shoreside infrastructure, while the development of extensive new port facilities risked disrupting its remote setting and character.
Chartwell spent a year developing the design in close collaboration with SPM Ferries and the Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. This included a visit to the islands to experience the route and operating environment first-hand, working directly with local stakeholders.
Chartwell said this gave the company a clear understanding of how the ferry needs to perform in practice and what matters to the people who use it.
Upon completion, Janot will be capable of carrying up to 100 passengers, as well as cargo and an emergency vehicle.
To enable the local community to travel safely to and from Langlade without the need for new port infrastructure, Chartwell developed a bespoke bow ramp. This feature will allow passengers and cargo to move directly between the vessel and beach, opening up the journey to all, including those with reduced mobility.
The ferry’s hybrid propulsion system has been selected with its operating environment in mind.
Chartwell said the ferry's propulsion will be IMO Tier III emissions-compliant and capable of operating on full electric power. This will reduce noise and emissions close to the community, while helping to minimise disruption to local flora and fauna and preserve the islands’ unique natural environment.
The ferry is due to be launched and enter operations in 2027.