Knud E Hansen has released its newest design – a 154-m ropax ferry that can transport up to 1,500 passengers and 440 cars and which deploys a battery bank for port
The vessel also boasts an additional 657 lane metres for trucks and trailers. Knud E Hansen called its design "ground-breaking" and said its “impressive manoeuvring and docking capabilities make it an ideal choice for the Mediterranean market although it is well suited for a variety of locations and operating conditions worldwide”.
The statement added “The vessel has a service speed of 25 knots and can operate close to optimum engine load even at slow speeds due to its diesel electric propulsion plant and azimuthing pods. The four engines have a combined power of approximately 48 MW and are fuelled by marine diesel oil. There are two tunnel thrusters located at the bow which, combined with the azipods, allow the vessel to move laterally without any forward or aft motion, a very desirable feature for mooring.”
There is a large battery bank to power the vessel while dockside, allowing for zero emissions in port.
The vessel features two car decks below the main deck accessed via fixed ramps. The main deck gives priority to trucks, which can be easily loaded via an extra-wide stern ramp. There is a dedicated passenger ramp astern with an escalator leading to the accommodation decks and 112 twin-occupancy, en-suite cabins. Deck 4 has a hoistable car deck at the forward end that spans over 50 m and can be raised to allow for additional truck loading. Deck 5 includes an additional car deck accessed via a hoistable ramp on the starboard side.
The wheelhouse is located on Deck 8 along with 41 single-occupancy crew/officer cabins, dining and recreation facilities for staff. The vessel has two passenger lifts providing access to all vehicle and accommodation decks as well as one service lift.
Unique to this vessel is a dedicated heli-pad located on the top deck.
The vessel is certified as a EuroClass Type A ship and is fully SOLAS compliant. Knud E Hansen said it “aims to achieve the highest level of survivability with strict adherence to Safe Return to Port requirements through including redundant, segregated power and propulsion systems, passenger safe havens and an auxiliary wheelhouse.”
This design was developed inhouse by Knud EHansen, with the interior design developed in co-operation with its partner B33.
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