The Italian passenger craft 'Beluo' is back sailing again after undergoing an extensive refurbishment following an accident in the shallows near Formiche di Ponza.
Though almost completely destroyed in the incident, the refurbishment has restored the boat to full functionality, with the vessel completely restyled and the once-critically-damaged hull extensively repaired.
Owned by Cinque Terre-based company Navigazione Ligure Tirrena of Monterosso, the refurbishment was a collaboration between boat builder Giuseppe Foresti of Santa Margherita Ligure and Gaera-based shipyard Italcraft.
Measuring 33 metres in length, with a beam of 7.2 metres, the vessel's main renovations chiefly concerned the bridge deck and the main deck. The bridge deck was restored and lowered onto the main deck, a renovation that has transformed the vessel's interior space, bestowing a much larger area for passenger use.
This functional arrangement has thus increased passenger carrying capacity to 400, a marked increase over the previous allowance of 350. Moreover, 188 seats have been installed on the sun deck.
To complete the refurbishment, the operators raised the levels of the bow and the stern, installed two control stations on the bridge wings to increase ease of handling, and brightened the principal saloon area with larger windows.
Substantial improvements have also been made to the vessel's power and propulsion package. Two bow thrusters totaling 90kW have been fitted via a 9kW Saim Marine generator and an electric-hydraulic steering gear, whilst power is provided by two Caterpillar C32 diesel engines; each rated for 1,081kW at 2,300rpm. Cruising speed for the vessel is 20 knots.
The 'Beluo' has participated actively throughout the previous tourist season. The newly refitted vessel was introduced back into service in May, and has been employed as both a sightseeing vessel throughout the Cinque Terre region and a ferry on the Versilia-Riviera Ligure line. In both roles, the craft has demonstrated perfect manoeuvrability and stability.
Stefano Fermi
