By
Rebecca Lambert |
The world’s fastest ship was officially launched in a ceremony in Buenos Aires on 1 October.
Christened by the President of Argentina Christina Fernandez de Kirchner in front of an audience of 1,500 guests, Buquebus’ new vessel has been named Francisco in honour of the Argentine born Pope.
Built by Incat, the 99 metre ship is the first large dual fuel high speed ro-ro to use LNG as its primary fuel and can reach a top speed of 58.1 knots (107.6 kilometres an hour). Francisco is capable of accommodating up to 1,000 passengers and 150 cars. It also has a 1,100 square metre duty-free shop and passenger accommodation for economy, tourist, business and first class, plus an exclusive VIP lounge.
The vessel is now in service and will carry passengers on the River Plate (Rio Plato) between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.