By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyards has delivered its second Damen Fast Ferry (DFF) 4212 to South Korean operator Seaspovill.
Seaspovill’s chairman, Park Jung Hak, and his wife Choi Yeon Hee, who christened the vessel, attended the delivery ceremony. Captain Park Yeong Chul from the Korean Register of Shipping was also present.
Ordered last September, the DFF 4212 is built as a stock model and has been developed to comply with the international code of safety for High Speed Craft, 2000 Code. The ferry was customised to meet Seaspovill’s requirements at Damen’s Singapore yard.
“This second order for a Damen Fast Ferry from Seaspovill is important as it is the first new delivery of a ferry to South Korea since the tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry in the country last year,” said Michiel Hendrikx, sales manager Asia Pacific at Damen. “Seaspovill has acted commendably in investing in a new, safety-conscious vessel at the earliest opportunity. By doing this, the company has demonstrated to its passengers and to the South Korean authorities that it sees safety as the highest possible priority.”
Named Sea Star 5, the 42.2m high-speed catamaran will operate between Gangneung on the east coast of South Korea and the island of Ulleung-Do. Powered by four MTU main engines, the vessel has a maximum speed of 40 knots and a low fuel consumption rate.
Sea Star 5 is able to accommodate up to 449 passengers in total – including 306 on the main deck and 143 on the upper deck – and will also be able to store baggage and light cargo. The vessel has a spacious wheelhouse with seating for three crew members and an engine room. The air-conditioned main deck features 30-inch LCD TV screens and DVD-players, as well as toilets and a kiosk for hot and cold snacks.