Russia's Vympel Shipyard has laid the keel for a new hydrofoil catamaran ferry ordered by local shipowner Mashpromlizing.
Designed by engineering firm the Sea Tech Group, the vessel belongs to the Project HSC150B series of shallow-draught hydrofoil ferries optimised for inland sailings. It will measure 38 by 10 metres and will have capacity for 148 passengers plus four crewmembers.
Sailing at 34 knots will enable the vessel to cover a range of 700 kilometres.
Two Project HSC150B vessels will be built for Mashpromlizing and East Siberian River Shipping Company under in fulfilment of an order placed in December 2021. Operational sailings are scheduled to commence in 2023.