FBMA Marine (FBMA), the Aboitiz-owned shipbuilder based in Cebu, Philippines, has recently launched the 'Wight Ryder II' for UK operator Wightlink Ferries.
The 40-metre passenger catamaran, which was launched on April 30, has now joined its sister vessel, 'Wight Ryder 1'.
Wightlink has already trialed and technically accepted 'Wight Ryder 1'. The vessel is now preparing for delivery alongside 'Wight Ryder II'.
The two new catamarans will operate on the Portsmouth-Ryde route in the UK completing on average 34 crossings everyday.
The efficient BMT NGA design, which reduces average fuel consumption by over 45 percent, is the latest vessel constructed for the international market by FBMA Marine.
Wightlink Chief Executive Andrew Willson said that the construction of the two new catamarans meant that the company would be able to phase out their existing FastCat fleet and replace them with the new generation of single-decked catamarans.
Each vessel has an overall length of 40.9 metes, an overall beam of twelve metres and a draught of 1.6 metres. The vessels can achieve an operating speed of 22 knots, and a maximum speed of 25 knots.
On board, the UK-flagged vessels can seat 260 passengers, and have storage space for 20 bicycles.
