Passenger Vessel News Roundup | February 1 – US, UK, Australian and South Korean ferry orders

Orders have been placed for new ferries for operation in various regions. Interestingly, three of the four vessels mentioned in this roundup are catamarans that are each capable of seating at least 300 passengers and reaching speeds of over 25 knots.

South Korean operator orders fast catamaran

South Korean operator KT Marine has placed an order for a new fast catamaran ferry to be supplied by the Damen Shipyards Group.

The vessel will have aluminium construction, a length of 42 metres, and capacity for 423 passengers. Four engines with a total installed power of 5,760 kW will drive waterjets to deliver a maximum speed of 40 knots.

The ferry is scheduled to be handed over to KT Marine in the middle of 2024 following completion of its ongoing construction at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

Future ferry to serve Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

Hillarys, Western Australia-based Rottnest Fast Ferries has awarded Austal a contract for the construction of an aluminium catamaran vessel.

The 32-metre, 400-passenger vessel will be able to reach speeds of up to 25 knots with the aid of two MAN 1,029kW engines driving fixed-pitch propellers. This will allow voyages between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Rottnest Island to be completed in as little as 45 minutes.

Construction will take place at Austal Philippines’ facilities beginning in the first quarter of 2024.

Catamaran design selected for future Florida national park shuttle ferry

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding of Massachusetts has been selected for the construction of a fast catamaran ferry to be operated by Key West, Florida-based Yankee Freedom.

The future Yankee Freedom IV will operate on the 70-mile (112-kilometre) between Key West and the Dry Tortugas National Park. Once completed, it will have an LOA of 112.5 feet (34.3 metres) and seating for 300 passengers.

The vessel’s main deck will transport up to 130 passengers and will feature tables as well as a snack bar with an attached storage room, and an audio-visual passenger information centre. The aft main deck will feature an open, covered area for passengers as well as a shower area and stowage for kayaks and camping gear.

Passengers will be able to enjoy sweeping views while on board via a viewing area on the open bow deck.

The second deck will feature enclosed seating and tables for 60 passengers, as well as exterior seating for 72 passengers. Seating for an additional 40 passengers will be located on the open-air upper deck.

The ferry will be capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots and will be powered by a pair of MTU 12V4000M65R US EPA Tier IV-compliant diesel engines.

Delivery is scheduled for 2026.

French yard to build ferry for UK’s Isles of Scilly Steamship Group

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG), the primary provider of passenger and freight transport to the Isles of Scilly in the UK, has awarded French shipbuilder Piriou a contract for the construction of a new passenger ferry.

The vessel will have capacity for 600 passengers, which ISSG claims will be an increase of 24 per cent on current levels. It will also feature roll and pitch reduction systems, thereby enhancing comfort.

Piriou is scheduled to deliver the passenger ferry along with a freight-only ferry in 2026.