|
With a capacity for up to 967 passengers and up to 146 cars, or a mix of cars and trucks, the new ferry will be French-flagged and is designed to meet EU domestic voyage rule requirements. In addition to enabling local tourism and personal transport, the ferry will support inter-island trade. To do this the vessel has substantial truck capacity and will be certified to carry dangerous goods including flammable gasses and flammable liquids. With bow and stern ramps enabling drive through operation, the vehicle deck features hoistable mezzanine decks and nearly 230 freight lane-metres suitable for trucks weighing up to 50 tonnes. Passenger seating will be split over two levels, with the bridge deck accommodating up to 435 passengers in one spacious lounge. The 532 passengers on the upper deck will be divided between two lounges, increasing comfort and reducing passenger disruption. The aft section features table and chair arrangements as well as tub and lounge style seating, with the forward section predominantly aircraft style seating. A kiosk is located in the middle of the upper deck, and passengers are also able to access a 114 seat sun deck. The design meets the latest EU regulations governing access for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility. This includes providing facilities for up to 24 passengers in wheelchairs, with a lift aft providing access between the main, upper and bridge decks. Crew facilities include a laundry and separate crew and officers mess areas. The ferry will be powered by four MTU 16V 4000 M53R engines coupled to fixed pitch propellers. Four rudders and twin bow thrusters combine to provide excellent maneuverability. The Austal ride control system comprising of forward T-foils and aft interceptors will enhance passenger comfort by reducing vessel motions, and enables trim to be adjusted to enhance operating efficiency. Aremiti has been operating shipping services between Tahiti and Moorea since 1991. Its current fleet includes the 56 metre high speed ferry “Aremiti 5” which Austal delivered in 2004. Vessel Specifications Principal Particulars Length overall: 79.60 metres Length waterline: 78.20 metres Beam (moulded): 17.00 metres Depth (moulded): 5.90 metres Hull draft (approx): 3.50 metres Capacity Passengers: 967 Vehicles: 146 cars/up to 228 truck lane-metres Crew: 20 Propulsion Main engines: 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M53R Propulsion: 4 x Fixed pitch propellers Performance Speed: 20 knots Classification Germanischer Lloyd Flag French Flag Austal press release |
This is the fourth vessel Austal has sold to Aremiti and its associated companies. The new ferry is expected to operate alongside an existing Austal catamaran between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, expanding access to the area for locals, tourists and business operators.
Austal Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said he was happy to be welcoming Aremiti back as a customer and said the contract provided further evidence that the company’s strategy was working.