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Specialist shipbuilder, Strategic Marine, has delivered the first of two 45 m ro-pax catamarans to the National Ferries Company of Oman, as part of a new contract for its Vietnam yard.
The vessel is the first build of its kind by the Vietnam shipyard and demonstrates the operation’s multi-market shipbuilding capability, the company believes. Shanna’s sister vessel, Jawharat, is expected to be delivered at the end of November.
“The global ferry market is of significant importance to us and we have strong pedigree in building these and similar types of vessels in our other regional yards,” said Strategic Marine group business development manager Reece Newbold. “Although the aluminium ferry market has been depressed for a while, it remains a focus sector for us due to excellent relationships – both established and new – in key international hubs. Our reputation for building quality vessels at competitive prices is standing us in good stead.”
Both 294-passenger catamarans have been designed by Sea Transport Solutions to carry either 38 cars or four trucks and 24 cars. Each has four CAT C18 Acert main engines, 357kW at 1800 rpm with continuous 'A' rating and can reach speeds of 18 knots – 15 knots at maximum load.
Shanna and Jawharat will be operating on the Shanna-Masirah route from the mainland to the northern tip of Oman's largest island.
Strategic Marine also has facilities in Singapore and Western Australia.