Russia's State Transport Leasing Company orders four additional catamaran ferries

Russia's State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) has placed orders for four additional Project 04580 catamaran ferries to be built by the More Shipyard division of United Shipbuilding Corporation.

The Project 04580 vessels will be designed by local engineering firm Forss Technology in compliance with Russian Maritime Register of Shipping requirements. The vessels may be operated both as commuter ferries and as tourist shuttles.

Each ferry will have all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 32 metres, a beam of 8.7 metres, a draught of 1.32 metres, a depth of 1.4 metres, a speed of 31 knots, and space for three crewmembers and 150 passengers in the main deck cabin and another 50 passengers on the open upper deck.

The main cabin will be fitted with large panoramic windows to provide improved visibility, while the interior layout will ensure access even for passengers with limited mobility.

The ferries will be capable of both inland and coastal sailings, as the design is optimised for operation in the waters in and around the city of Saint Petersburg as well as further out into the Gulf of Finland.

The vessels' low height will enable them to safely pass underneath bridges while the configuration of the hull will generate only minimal wake. The design also means existing jetty infrastructure need not undergo additional modifications just to accommodate the vessels.

Examples of the Project 04580 series are being operated by Neva Travel on behalf of STLC.