A Russian yard launches a new river commuter boat as construction commences on a coastal ferry for Scotland and a cruise ship for a Japanese operator. A luxury cruise line meanwhile places orders for LNG-powered ships that will also boast hydrogen fuel cells.
New Russian river ferry floated out
Russia's Ushakov Shipyards has launched a new river-capable passenger vessel to be used as both a commuter ferry and a sightseeing boat.
Iniya was designed by United Shipbuilding Corporation's Onega Research Design and Technology Bureau for local owner Mashpromlizing. Upon completion, the vessel will be able to transport 54 passengers including wheelchair-bound individuals.
The ferry will be operated in Pskov Oblast in the country's northwest.
Keel laid for future ferry for UK's CMAL
Construction of a new Ro-Pax ferry ordered by UK shipping line Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) has entered its next phase with the recently completed laying of its keel.
The vessel is one of two ferries in a series that will each have capacity for 450 passengers and up to 100 vehicles.
The ferries' area of operations will encompass Scotland's Little Minch communities of Uig, Lochmaddy, and Tarbert. The vessels are therefore being built with raised aft mooring decks to accommodate the higher pier heights at those three communities.
First steel cut for new ship for NYK Cruises
German shipyard Meyer Werft has cut the first steel to be used for the construction of a new cruise ship ordered by Japanese owner Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).
Once completed, Asuka III will be operated by NYK's NYK Cruises division.
The DNV-classed ship will have a length of 230 metres, a beam of 29.8 metres, a gross tonnage of 52,200, and accommodations for 744 guests. The propulsion system will run primarily on LNG.
Italian yard tapped to build LNG-powered ships for Explora Journeys
The MSC Group has selected Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of two LNG-powered cruise ships for use by its Explora Journeys luxury brand.
The future Explora V and Explora VI will be fitted with hydrogen fuel cells and will also be capable of using alternative fuels such as biogas and synthetic gas as well as methanol in addition to LNG. The ships will also be fitted with systems for carbon capture and advanced waste management.
Deliveries of the two vessels are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, respectively.