Ferry Business - Spring/Summer 2021

8 0 ROUNDTABLE technologies lead to improvements in overall fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to other vessels operating on the Channel routes. Passenger and freight capacity will be significantly improved in comparison to our existing vessels and the active stabilisation technology will result in very smooth crossings. In addition, the extra bow thruster and high-lift rudders will improve port manoeuvring times and allow continuous operation in severe weather conditions without additional tug support, which is essential for the high-frequency service we offer on the Channel. CQ : Galicia only started service in December 2020, so we don’t have sufficient data to gain meaningful insights into how she is performing in terms of operational efficiency, energy consumption, emissions or costs compared to our other vessels. However, all the technical systems performed well during her sea trials so we’re confident she will meet all targets. The vessel is also very comfortable and quiet, and we’ve had amazing responses from our crew members and customers. Of course, we’ll continue adapting and improving the vessel over time. Which features of the ships are you most proud of, and which do you think will appeal to passengers? PA : I am personally very satisfied that we managed to hold true to the standardised and flexible approach on the entire newbuilding programme. I am also sure that our E-flexers will provide great customer satisfaction to our passengers and freight customers many years from now. KM : Cote D’Opale will have several impressive areas, including the first new-style 7 Seas Restaurant on a DFDS ship; an enhanced Light House Café and Premium Lounge; and the newly designed Road Kings area for freight drivers, which will have a restaurant, lounge and showers. However, the duty- free ship will be the outstanding feature because it’s very much at the heart of the ship and all passengers will walk through it. The space spans more than 1,000 square metres and will evoke the feeling of an airport, thanks to its dedicated boutique areas, various duty- and tax-free products, LED lights and digital screens displaying adverts and information. CQ : Galicia is a truly international ship – she is owned by a French operator, was designed by Europeans, built in China, outfitted with products from countries around the world, and has Spanish- inspired interiors and onboard venues that are targeted mainly at British passengers. I felt very proud when I saw customers enjoying the Taberna de Tapas restaurant on Galicia’s inaugural sailing. To me, it symbolised that we had achieved our onboard experience goals – our French chefs and crew members successfully brought an authentic taste of Spain to both Spanish and British passengers in a space filled with Galician artwork and everyone was in the holiday mood. One of the best parts of the E-Flexer project is that it shows how several competitors can work together to take a standard ferry design and produce a series of extraordinary ships for very different brands. We collaborated to ensure we all achieved our common vision (producing economically efficient ships), but also our own specific goals – it was a completely new way of working, but everyone has come out a winner. CFR Stena Line’s Stena Embla is already operating on the Irish Sea and receiving positive feedback from customers www.incatcrowther.com Elearnor Roosevelt | 125m Catamaran Dual Fuel Ro-Pax Ferry DESIGNER OF ROBUST, EFFICIENT PASSENGER VESSELS OPERATIONAL STUDIES FUNCTIONAL DESIGN PRODUCTION DESIGN PROCUREMENT CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT THROUGH-LIFE SUPPORT CONSULTING Incat Crowther E V E R E V O L V I N G E V E R I M P R O V I N G