108 Photo: Brittany Ferries COMMENTARY Why is it not possible to build a ‘standard’ ferry – a design that could be built in series, thus resolving all the problems and expenses caused by unique, one-off designs that give endless trouble to struggling shipyards? The obvious answer is that ferry routes are so very different, as are the requirements of the operators. Distance, separate needs for passengers and freight, sea states and weather and different terminal designs all tend to demand a degree of dedication if a ship is to provide the optimum transport solution. Ferries can be converted for different purposes, but the tendency until recently was to expect designers and shipyards to build new ships for dedicated services. The alternative – buying something on the second-hand market – might involve a certain degree of risk. The result has been far more expensive ships and more complexity in the construction process, which offers at least some explanation as to why European shipyards have found it hard to compete with those who can build vessels cheaper. It also has not helped that the ferry world has remained somewhat fragmented, compared to the deep-sea liner sector, with limited consolidation taking place. However, the emergence of some sizeable operations is changing the ability of ferry operators to order series of ships, allowing them to build longer relationships with shipbuilders and designers and benefit from all the efficiencies this can bring. And a basic Making ferries more affordable Developing a series of ships with a design that can be easily adapted to suit the specific needs of individual operators could help to reduce the costs and complexities of building ferries MICHAEL GREY Michael Grey is a master mariner turned maritime journalist and has edited both Fairplay and Lloyd’s List in a career spanning more than 60 years.
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