New electric ferries enter service on Moskva River in Moscow

Russia's State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) has taken delivery of four new electric commuter ferries in a series built by local shipyard Emperium.

The ferries belong to a series of electric monohull commuter ferries that will be operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development on behalf of STLC. The first three vessels in the series were handed over in 2023.

Like their earlier sisters, Desna, Businka, Ochakovka and Smelt will be operated on the Moskva River in Moscow.

Each ferry has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers.

Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters.

The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each vessel's wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.