Strategic Marine has announced that the construction of two 70 -meter LNG-powered aluminum vehicle and passenger catamarans for Rederij Doeksen is moving on schedule at the group’s yard in Vietnam.
Both vessels are on schedule for delivery to the Netherlands in early 2018 where they will undergo final commissioning and sea trials.
“This is a milestone project for Strategic Marine and we are delighted that Rederij Doeksen decided to contract these vessels with us following a stringent international tender evaluation process,” said Strategic Marine’s CEO Mark Schiller.
“It is testament to the world leading shipbuilding skills we offer our customers after operating more than 10 years in Vietnam, 15 years in Singapore and 30 years in Australia. We see an ever increasing focus on the environmental aspects of marine transportation, with LNG emerging as the fuel of choice for many operators and we are committed to being at the forefront of developing LNG and other emission reducing technologies further to the benefit of our customers and the environment” he added.
The vessels will operate on the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Wadden Sea between Harlingen on the mainland and the islands of Terschelling and Vlieland.
Mr Schiller added that great attention had been given to reducing the vessels’ environmental footprint wherever possible.
“The acquisition of these vessels signifies the largest single investment Rederij Doeksen has ever made and thus we carefully evaluated the proposals received from the world’s leading aluminium ferry builders. We also inspected their shipyard facilities and reference vessels as part of our due diligence process before finally selecting Strategic Marine as our project partner,” said Rederij Doeksen’s Director Paul Melles
“We are confident after seeing their project response along with their high level of workmanship and attention to detail that Strategic Marine will build these innovative vessels to the very high standard expected by Rederij Doeksen and our travelling public,” Mr Melles added.
The eco-friendly RoPax ferries are designed by BMT Nigel Gee with concept and interior design by Vripack. They will have a capacity of 592 passengers and 66 cars each and main propulsion will be by two single-fuel LNG engines from MTU driving fixed pitch azimuth thrusters from Veth through mechanical gearboxes.
The ships’ power is delivered by a hybrid LNG/electric plant where power is generated by two single fuel LNG generators and additional electricity is stored in battery banks for use with the electrically driven bow thrusters as well as providing main grid stabilization and peak shaving support.
Source & Imafe credit: Strategic Marine
