Set for delivery in May 2018, the 50,000gt ferry will cater for 1,885 people and up to 465 vehicles
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Germany-based shipyard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesselschaft is to build a new €144 million cruise ferry for Irish Ferries.
Scheduled for delivery in May 2018, the 50,000gt ferry will be able to accommodate 1,885 passengers and crew, as well as up to 300 cars and 165 freight vehicles.
Passenger facilities will be spread over four decks with 435 cabins, which will include deluxe and standard class accommodation, and suites with private external balconies. Other venues will include bars, à la carte and self-service restaurants, an exclusive lounge for premium Club Class passengers, cinemas, retail outlets and pet facilities. Freight drivers will have their own dedicated facilities.
Powered by four main engines, the newbuild will operate at a speed of 22.5 knots and
feature an exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) and a ballast water system. This will reduce fuel consumption and costs, while ensuring the ferry complies with environmental regulations.
“This investment underpins the confidence the group has in both the freight and passenger tourism markets between Ireland, Britain and France,” said Eamonn Rothwell, CEO of Irish Ferries. “The construction of a cruise ferry of this size will offer a premium experience for all our customers, in line with our commitment to deliver the best in service, in reliability and flexibility across all our routes. We also expect to be well positioned to accommodate the changing expectations of our customers, and to benefit from significant operational and financial benefits following the delivery in 2018.”
The newbuild is expected to provide additional capacity on the route between Dublin, Ireland and Holyhead in Wales during the week, and between Ireland and France at the weekends. These routes are currently served by the chartered ship MV Epsilon.