Passenger Vessel News Roundup | September 13 – New Philippine ferry, catamaran tour boat for Hawaiian waters and more

Deliveries include a new Ro-Pax ferry for a Philippine operator and a catamaran for a Hawaii-based tour company. A new cruise ship slated for Mediterranean sailings has been launched into the water for the first time. Finally, a UK shipbuilder unveils plans for the construction and operation of new ferries that will serve inter-island routes.

Philippines’ Montenegro Shipping welcomes newbuild ferry to fleet

Philippine operator Montenegro Shipping Lines (MSLI) has taken delivery of a Ro-Pax ferry built by China’s Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Shipbuilding.

Binibining Coron (“Miss Coron”) is the third ferry in a series to be acquired by MSLI from the same builder.

The ferry has an LOA of 67.1 metres, a beam of 14 metres, and gross tonnage of 2,489. Two Zibo LB8250 engines deliver a service speed of 14 knots.

Catamaran tour boat delivered to Hawaii operator

Honolulu-based tour operator Hawaii Dolphin recently acquired a new catamaran sightseeing vessel built to a design by New Zealand naval architecture firm Teknicraft Design.

Poseidon is a semi-displacement, aluminium catamaran vessel measuring 50 by 17 feet (15.2 by 5.1 metres) and capable of transporting 70 passengers. The propulsion package includes twin Cummins QSB 6.7 SL-SW engines, rated at 355 hp (264 kW) at 3,000 rpm, driving fixed-pitch propellers.

Passengers will be able to get into and out of the water during snorkeling trips with the aid of boarding ladders.

Explora Journeys’ newest cruise ship floated out in Italy

Italian shipyard Fincantieri has launched the second in a series of vessels ordered from the company by MSC Cruises for operation by its Explora Journeys brand.

Once completed, Explora II will have an LOA of 248 metres, a beam of 32 metres, and 461 all-balcony guest cabins in various categories across 14 decks. Onboard facilities will include restaurants, bars, lounges, boutique shops, nine spa rooms, a beauty salon, 1,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities, and indoor and outdoor pools.

The vessel will be equipped with selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, a RINA-certified underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, a smart HVAC system, LED lighting, and other energy-efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions. An advanced wastewater treatment system will enable the vessel to comply with the IMO’s Baltic Standard resolution while a US Coast Guard-approved ballast water treatment system with UV treatment will prevent the introduction of invasive species in the surrounding marine environment through ballast water discharges.

Explora II is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2024. Its initial seasons will be in the Mediterranean.

UK shipyard to build and operate future Isles of Scilly ferries

UK shipbuilder Harland and Wolff has confirmed its proposals to build and operate two ferries on the Penzance to Isles of Scilly ferry route as well as one inter-island vessel beginning in the spring of 2025.

Over the past three years, Harland and Wolff has been working on the design and costing models for these vessels and has now sought to make an application for levelling up funding, alongside approved partners. The company will also apply for a licence to operate on the Penzance to Scilly ferry route.

The proposed operation would be for an initial five-year period, with the option to extend for a further five years.