Vessels are part of the world’s largest ferry order and will be operated by MSC Group and Onorato Armatori
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Danish naval architecture firm OSK-ShipTech has provided the concept design for four new ro-pax ferries, which will be built by China-based Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for MSC Group and Onorato Armatori in the largest ferry order to date.
All four of the 2,500-passenger ro-pax ferries will feature 536 cabins and have 3,765 lane metres for freight. Onboard areas and accommodation will be spacious and have a ‘modern, clean looks. The ferries will be LNG-ready and fitted with the latest technologies for energy optimisation.
“Our two largest clients are now doing business together, so to us, this is a dream scenario, where we are appointed designers on the basis of earlier projects and long-term successful cooperation with all parties,” said Anders Ørgård, CCO of OSK Group. “This is such a significant project, and this order is a fantastic opportunity to bring our competencies, the yard’s strength and the owners’ joint pool of many years’ of experience into play.”
Italian operator GNV (a subsidiary of MSC Group) will take two ferries, and the remaining two will be delivered to Onorato Armatori. The contract includes an option for four additional ferries of the same type.
“Both in Danish standards, but on a global scale as well, this is in any possible way a significant order in the current ro-pax market,” said Jacob Thygesen, CEO of OSK Group. “The fact that OSK-ShipTech has a contract of this size is something we are very proud of and goes to show that we are now among the few designers globally who are relevant when it comes to the world’s largest design projects.”
The first of the four ferries is scheduled for delivery to GNV in 2021.