VESSEL REVIEW | Kometa-1 & Kometa-2 – First two units in new Russian-built hydrofoil ferry series

Russia’s Vympel Shipbuilding has delivered the first and second in a new series of three hydrofoil ferries ordered by local owner Mashpromlizing.

The craft were designed by seasoned local naval architect Alexeev’s Hydrofoil Design Bureau in compliance to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping class rules covering navigation in both open sea and inland waterways. They are also modernised variants of the Kometa family of hydrofoil ferries, the first examples of which entered service in the 1960s. The three Kometa 120M ferries are the first new hydrofoil passenger vessels to be built in Russia in nearly 20 years.

With hulls made from aluminium alloy 1561 to guarantee light weight and in turn high operating speeds, the single-deck vessels each have an LOA of 35.2 metres, a moulded beam of 10.3 metres, a draught of 3.5 metres when in “hullborne” configuration, a displacement of 73.5 tonnes at full load, and a crew of five. A total of 120 passengers can be transported at speeds of up to 35 knots, while a maximum unrefueled range of 200 nautical miles can be achieved at more economical cruising speeds.

The Kometa 120M ferries were designed to operate in wave heights of up to 2.5 metres and Beaufort force five winds while in hullborne configuration. When sailing at higher speeds in foilborne configuration, they can operate in two-metre wave heights and Beaufort force four winds. The ferries can still sail even as outside air temperatures drop to five degrees Celsius, making them suitable for some of Russia’s more remote northern regions.

To ensure improved comfort and safety for the passengers, the ferries are each equipped with an automatic motion control system and an active stabilisation system while the superstructure also features advanced vibration-absorbing material. Air conditioning has been incorporated as well, providing comfort for the occupants even during the warmer summer months.

The passenger cabin has airline-type reclining seats in business and economy sections, which can house 22 and 98 people, respectively. Situated aft is a small lounge with a bar and couch seating. There are also television screens and a separate compartment with straps for securing luggage as well as individual lifejackets.

Power is provided by two diesel engines that each produce 1,200 kW and drive a pair of five-bladed, fixed-pitch propellers.

From the time they entered service the two hydrofoils have already been put into operation on the Black Sea. Their yet-unnamed third, fourth and fifth sisterships will operate on the Sea of Asov and Black Sea following delivery in 2022.

Click here for the other news, features and reviews comprising this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.