Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

1 2 8 FERRY ORDER BOOK New orders in challenging times Shipyards continue with construction projects and ferry operators place new orders despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Justin Merrigan reports T he Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has signed a contract for a new ro-pax ferry; the first new purpose-built vessel for the company in over 20 years. The new ship will be constructed by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, based in Ulsan, South Korea. Work on physically constructing the replacement for the conventional ferry, Ben-my-Chree, is due to start in mid- 2021 after detailed plans are finalised and agreed between builder and buyer. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s chief executive Mark Woodward explains the company has been conducting detailed analysis and developing plans for major investment in the fleet for some time. “Following lengthy discussions, I’m delighted that we have confirmed specifications for the vessel and signed a contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard,” he says. “This truly is an exciting time in our history, given that it’s the year we marked our 190th anniversary. The new vessel will take the company forward to our 200th anniversary and beyond.” The new vessel, expected to commence service in spring 2023, will be an important part of the company’s future plans, bringing high levels of onboard facilities and enhanced freight capability. “The final specification and build programme is still in development but it is expected the new vessel will be slightly larger than the Ben-my- Chree in most respects but with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new vessel will be built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard