Passenger Vessel News Roundup | June 15 – Swedish autonomous ferry, China’s first large cruise ship and more

Deliveries include a Swedish-owned autonomous ferry, a Russian river tour boat, and a shuttle ferry for a French operator. The first large cruise ship to be built in China is launched into the water. Finally, a Norwegian cruise company unveils the first images of one of its future vessels that will be equipped with fossil fuel-free propulsion systems.

Norwegian-designed autonomous electric ferry enters service in Stockholm

Norwegian transport company Torghatten and compatriot technology firm Zeabuz have handed over an autonomous electric ferry to Torghatten’s Swedish subsidiary Zeam.

Named Estelle, the ferry commenced operational sailings in Stockholm on Monday, June 12. Four departures are scheduled for each of 15 hours that the vessel is in operation every day, though Torghatten expects the number of hourly departures to increase to eight in the coming months.

An operator will be on board during the vessel’s initial sailings. The long-term objective is for sailings to be conducted autonomously under the supervision of shore-based personnel.

Catamaran tour boat begins sailings on Russia’s Yenisei River

Russian transport company Vodohod has begun operational sailings of a catamaran tour boat built by compatriot shipyard Emperium.

Ekokhod has a length of 31, a beam of nine metres, battery propulsion, and capacity for 130 passengers on two decks. The interior spaces can also be configured to accommodate a variety of private events such as corporate gatherings and live musical performances.

The vessel’s initial sailings will be along the Yenisei River in the city of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia.

Ekokhod is the first in a planned series of five catamaran tour boats.

Shuttle ferry delivered to French Mediterranean operator

Transmetal Industrie has delivered a new light passenger and freight ferry to French Mediterranean operator Les Iles Paul Ricard.

Designed by Mer et Design, Marie-Therese has a length of 25 metres and capacity for 40 passengers and 40 tonnes of freight. Power is provided by two Volvo D16 IMO Tier III engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems.

The ferry will be operated between the French Mediterranean islands of Embiez and Bendor.

China’s first locally-built large cruise ship hits the water

Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has floated out the first large cruise ship to be built in China.

Adora Magic City will be operated by CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping. Once completed, it will have an LOA of 323.6 metres and 2,125 staterooms to house a total of 5,246 guests. Power will be provided by diesel generators with a total output of 62.4 MW.

Facilities will include specialty restaurants, bars, cafes, a water park, a science and exploration centre, and venues for live entertainment.

Adora Magic City is classed by both Lloyd’s Register and China Classification Society.

Hurtirguten’s future vessel to feature zero-emission propulsion

Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten has unveiled the first images of its future vessel that will be fitted with a propulsion system promising zero emissions.

Vard Marine will design the vessel, which will be fitted with a 60MWh battery bank, retractable sails that will collect wind and solar power, enhanced AI-assisted manoeuvring, and hydrodynamic retractable thrusters.

The guest cabins will also feature real-time energy monitoring technology.