By
Cherie Rowlands |
The South Pacific island of Tokelau is to receive its first purpose-built, Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) passenger ship following an agreement between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maritime ship designer, Knud E. Hansen.
The Denmark-based firm will be drawing up plans for a 500 gt, 60-passenger vessel which will be the only means of travel between the non-self governing New Zealand territory’s three coral atolls – Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo.
Passenger comfort is a high priority with the effects of vessel acceleration to be minimised by aft-placed accommodation, while meeting Lloyd's Register PCAC (Passenger and Crew Comfort) notation, is also one of the key design criteria.
Twenty four bunk beds, 16 reclining seats, a children’s play area, 80 m2 of open-deck passenger space and a sick bay, as well as accommodation for 12 crew, are planned for the newbuild.
An intended speed of 11.5 knots means the 270 nm voyage between Tokelau and Western Samoa’s capital city, Apia, is expected to take less than 24 hours.
One of the world’s first solar-powered countries, Tokelau’s environmental ideals are also an important design consideration. To align with these, battery banks will provide electrical power for essential services including air conditioning, during darkness. Although not yet confirmed, sail assistance may also form part of the design.
In addition to carrying passengers, the vessel will have capacity for 50 tonnes of cargo and supplies. Ten-foot container units including two reefers, and a crane for loading and unloading cargo, are also planned.