Passenger Vessel News Roundup | November 21 – A catamaran ferry for Guadeloupe, a Spanish low-emission commuter boat design and more

Deliveries include a new cruise ship and a catamaran ferry for an operator in France’s overseas territory of Guadeloupe. A Spanish builder discloses progress on a new ferry series designed to run on low-emission alternative fuels. Finally, a French yard secures an order for two LNG-fuelled cruise ships.

New fast ferry to operate in French West Indies

Kim Seah Shipyard Indonesia recently delivered a new catamaran ferry to Compagnie de Transport Maritime Deher (CTM Deher), an operator based in Guadeloupe in the French West Indies.

Miss Outre-Mer has an LOA of 36 metres, a beam of 9.8 metres, a maximum draught of two metres, and space for 316 passengers across two decks in two distinct seating classes.

Facilities include a kiosk, toilets, a large luggage room, six toilets, and an aft mid deck with exterior seats for 48 people. Overhead gantries will meanwhile assist with the movement of large, heavy luggage trolleys.

Two MTU 12V4000 1,380kW main engines driving five-bladed propellers deliver a service speed of 25 knots at reduced MCR and a top speed of 28 knots. Humphree stabilisers help enhance comfort during fast inter-island transits.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises acquires final Explorer-class ship

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has taken delivery of the final one of three luxury cruise ships in a series built by Fincantieri of Italy.

Seven Seas Grandeur is the third Explorer-class vessel to be built for Regent Seven Seas. As with earlier sisters Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, it has a gross tonnage of approximately 55,500 and can accommodate only 746 passengers.

Onboard facilities include all-balcony staterooms, a casino, a theatre, a wellness centre, a bar, an infinity pool, and an observation lounge.

Spanish builder unveils hydrogen-ready catamaran

Spain’s Aresa Shipyard has unveiled the first images of a new series of catamaran ferries that can be fitted with either hydrogen, all-electric, or hybrid electric propulsion.

Each vessel in the series will have an LOA of 24 metres and space for 210 passengers. An outdoor seating area will also be available on the upper deck.

The design is versatile enough to be operated in the commuter service and tourism roles.

MSC Cruises taps French builder for LNG-fuelled newbuilings

MSC Cruises has awarded French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique a contract for the construction of two LNG-fuelled cruise ships in a series.

Notable features of the new ships will include heat recovery systems and dual-fuel main engines that can be modified in the future to run on alternative fuels such as green methanol and bio and synthetic methane. Shore power capability will also be incorporated.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.