VESSEL REVIEW | Marin Mainiku – New inter-island ferry for Kiribati owner

China’s Zhoushan Ningxing Shipbuilding has handed over a new Ro-Pax ferry to Kiribati National Shipping Line (KNSL).

Marin Mainiku has an LOA of 39 metres, a draught of 2.2 metres, a depth of 3.6 metres, a gross tonnage of 441, and capacity for 49 passengers, six vehicles, and six 20-foot containers. Loading and unloading of freight will be done using a large bow ramp. When sailing on passenger-only voyages, the ferry can transport up to 150 people.

The ferry was designed to be as compact as possible while still carrying a reasonable payload between Kiribati’s many sparsely populated islands and wide sea area, hence the use of a landing craft-type hull. This allows it to easily transport people and goods and thus ensure improved connectivity between the country’s islands.

The propulsion system consists of two diesel engines driving propellers to deliver a service speed of approximately 13 knots.

Marin Mainiku was built in compliance to China Classification Society rules.

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