VESSEL REVIEW | Don Orlando I – Lifeline ferry to serve Chiloe Island in Southern Chile

Chilean transport company Naviera Cruz del Sur recently took delivery of a new double-ended Ro-Pax ferry designed and built by local shipyard ASENAV.

Don Orlando I will be operated in the Chacao Channel transporting passengers, vehicles, and essential goods between the large island of Chiloe and the Pargua area in the southern region of Los Lagos.

Able to operate safely in challenging conditions

The vessel has a length of 70.9 metres (233 feet), a beam of 17 metres (56 feet), a draught of only 1.76 metres (5.77 feet), a height of 2.8 metres (9.2 feet), and a capacity of 350 tonnes.

The double-ended design coupled with azimuthing thrusters connected to two Volvo Penta D13 MH diesel engines will allow for safe navigation even in strong winds and currents, thus ensuring the ferry will also be operated as a lifeline vessel. The propulsion also delivers a service speed of 9.5 knots.

The ferry is also fitted with navigation and communications gear from Furuno. The accommodation spaces meanwhile include crew cabins and a mess.

Part of a vital inter-island fleet

Don Orlando I is the eighth ferry to be ordered by Naviera Cruz del Sur from the same builder. Construction of the vessel lasted 14 months, and ASENAV claims the delivery was completed two months ahead of schedule.

Don Orlando I will operate alongside nine other ferries belonging to different operators in providing passenger and vehicle transport services via the Chacao Channel.