VESSEL REVIEW | Dory 2 – Lifeline freight ferry for inter-island routes in French Polynesia

Austal Vietnam has handed over a new Ro-Pax ferry to shipowner the Degage Group based in French Polynesia.

Dory 2 was designed by Austal Australia. She is the seventh vessel Austal has delivered to the Degage Group since 2003, directly following the 66-metre (220-foot) Apetahi Express, which was handed over in 2023.

Purpose-built for transporting essential goods between Papeete and the Palliser Islands, the ferry has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure, an LOA of 71 metres (230 feet), a beam of 14.6 metres (47.9 feet), a draught of 4.08 metres (13.4 feet), a deadweight of 1,399, a gross tonnage of 2,812, and space for 17 crewmembers and up to 140 seated passengers. Two 1,030kW (1,380hp) main engines will deliver a service speed of 12 knots at 100 per cent MCR and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.

Greater capacity compared to earlier vessels

The ferry also features a 494-square-metre (5,320-square-foot) cargo deck for 10- and 20-foot ISO containers, vehicles, and palletised freight for a total load capacity of 1,400 tonnes, which is more than double the capacity of the operator’s earlier vessels.

The diverse range of cargo types that can be carried means that the ferry will be capable of satisfying the transport needs of a greater number of local businesses and private residents.

The wheelhouse electronics include a Simrad radar. Power for these and the other onboard systems is supplied by three generators.

Full range of amenities ensuring greater comfort on each sailing rotation

Onboard facilities include a business class seating area, a casual dining restaurant, a crew mess, cabins, a galley, and a cinema. The selection of facilities will provide both passengers and crew with ample opportunities for rest and recreation as the ferry operates on her regular routes.

Dory 2 was designed and built in compliance with Kiribati flag and Bureau Veritas class requirements. The ferry recently arrived in Papeete and is scheduled to serve her first rotation across the islands before the end of August. Departures will be set for 14:15 on Mondays.

The acquisition of the vessel was partly funded by the French Polynesian Government.