[ 5 ] INTRODUCTION “ Unlike other ship types or even aircraft for that matter, ro-pax ferries mostly don’t come in long series with almost every platform representing a new prototype. For this reason, each project has its own learning curve” cabins that provide a home-away-fromhome feel. A happy crew makes a happy ship, so members of the crew can also unwind in their own gym, sauna and games room. Showing the way forward, the Ship of the Future boasts technologies not found on the long list of ro-pax ferries that we had built for international ferry operators during the past two decades. This made the project all the more interesting and challenging, yet the biggest challenges were perhaps the modifications still made during the construction stage. Thanks to our vast experience in building ro-pax ferries as well as our human resources — including 1,200 engineers and naval architects — we successfully managed to deal with all these bumps along the way. It really takes an experienced, well-oiled organisation to cope with these challenges and pitfalls. More so than the other complex ro-pax ferries that GSI has successfully completed in recent years, the Fusion-class has given us an edge over the competition. We believe that we are true pioneers and a leading shipyard in the world in terms of this ship type. We are extremely proud of this achievement and are convinced that our customers will benefit from this strength. Unlike other ship types or even aircraft for that matter, ro-pax ferries mostly don’t come in long series with almost every platform representing a new prototype. For this reason, each project has its own learning curve. Thanks to the experience gained continuously, we keep on improving ship design, stability and speed, etc. which is all to the benefit of our customers. With the two Fusion-class double-enders delivered, we have four more ro-pax ferries on order, with more to follow as negotiations with unspecified operators are ongoing. Even so, besides ro-pax ferries we build all types of vessel and currently have an orderbook of 60 ships, including 25 LNG-powered Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). With an average annual output of 25 ships, our orderbook will keep us busy until 2026. As for the ro-pax segment, we believe its future is bright as new fuels and more stringent air pollution regulations will make older tonnage obsolete. Admittedly, this is a phenomenon that will also affect other ship types, but as passenger ships have many requirements that are unrelated to decarbonisation — think damage stability, Safe Return to Port (SRtP) regulations, low noise and vibration levels, better working and living conditions for the crew — we expect a healthy demand for new ro-pax tonnage. GSI is determined to remain ahead of the game, contributing to improve people’s lives and the crew’s working environment. For now, we wish P&O Ferries fair winds and following seas with its two new, fantastic Fusion-class sister ships.
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