High-speed ferry is under construction at Shemara Refit and is due to debut in July
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Red Funnel Ferries has revealed its new livery, which will debut on Red Jet, its latest high-speed catamaran ferry when she launches this July.
Inspired by the wake of a waterjet-propelled vessel travelling at high speed through the waves, the new livery will be added to the rest of the Red Jet fleet during their annual drydocks.
At 41m long, the £6 million Red Jet 6 is Red Funnel’s largest-ever high-speed passenger ferry and is currently under construction at Shemara Refit in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK.
Designed to carry 275 passengers and 22 bicycles, the ferry will be fitted with leather seats, an advanced air-handling system, a new high bandwidth ship-to-shore wifi system, which will be free for customers; and a travel information system that will provide real-time updates about connecting bus, coach, train and aeroplane services.
To date, engineers have completed, and received certification for, the majority of the structural aluminium work on the twin hulls and the accommodation section. Soon, both sections will be connected using shock-absorbing resilient mounts to maximise passenger comfort.
Four MTU 2000 series engines and twin generator sets have already been fitted in the hulls, while various pieces of ancillary equipment are being mounted in position in the engine room.
The fit-out of the passenger accommodation has also started, while the bridge console and control station is rapidly taking shape. This month, engineers will also install quad MJP waterjets and begin applying a specialist vinyl coating to the ferry’s exterior. A first for Red Funnel, the vinyl coating is expected to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency and provide long-term durability.
Red Funnel will host sea trials and crew training for Red Jet 6 this June before her official christening ceremony in Cowes on 4 July 2016.