Wight Shipyard Co has won an order for two fast ferries for Mexico’s largest ferry operator.
The two 37 m ferries are the first fast ferries to be built by Ultramar in the UK – previously all of its high-speed ferries have been built in the US.
“This order for Ultramar really is very satisfying as it continues our move into international markets,” said Wight Shipyard chief executive Peter Morton.
“Our reputation for high quality ferries is spreading and we are delighted to be awarded the contract to build our largest ferries yet. Ultramar operates a fleet of ferries between Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel ports in the Quintana Roo Peninsula.”
“We are very proud to start a relationship with Wight Shipyard Co and we are certain that it will be a long and happy one for all,” said Ultramar chief executive Germán Orozco.
Designed by Incat Crowther, the Ultramar twins will each provide accommodation for 459 passengers over three decks.
In the hulls, the enginerooms are designed to provide crews with maximum access with all machinery arranged in the same space. The enginerooms are designed so the engines, two MTU 12V4000 M63 marine diesels, can be removed without slipping the vessel or damaging the superstructure or hull.
At the end of August last year Red Funnel confirmed an order for a second 41 m high-speed passenger ferry, followed soon after by Scotland’s Jacobite Cruises’ order for a 21 m day cruise catamaran for Loch Ness. More recently, a contract was inked for a 39 m high-speed craft for passenger services between Vienna and Bratislava.
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