VESSEL REVIEW | Korea Pride – Large fast catamaran for Korea Express Ferry

South Korean operator Korea Express Ferry has taken delivery of a new catamaran vessel built by local shipyard Kangnam Corporation.

Named Korea Pride, the KR-classed ferry has all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 72 metres, a beam of 16 metres, a draught of 1.8 metres, and capacity for 556 passengers plus 10 crewmembers. The catamaran will be used mainly as a lifeline vessel between South Korea's outlying islands and the mainland.

Sea trials showed that the ferry's four Kongsberg KaMeWa S71-4 waterjets, which are driven by MTU 16V4000 M73L engines that each produce 2,880 kW at 2,050 rpm, can deliver speeds of up to 41 knots. However, for the vessel's regular sailings, the service speed will be limited to 36.5 knots.

The engine room is also fitted with exposed hatches to provide ease of maintenance and the removal/reinstallation of the engines.

All passengers will be seated on a single deck and boarding and disembarkation will be via six doors that are designed to integrate safely with the existing jetty infrastructure at the ferry's designated stops. The single-deck configuration was specifically selected to handle conditions that include large swell and wind chop. The result is a single-deck vessel with an LOA that is longer than usual to deliver higher speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The main cabin is divided into economy, business class, and first class cabins. A central amenities block features a large, well-equipped kiosk in addition to toilets and a room for mothers with small children. Luggage racks are fitted in the different cabin classes.

At the aft end of the main deck is a crew area with a mess, an office, and a toilet. A medical room is also available on board.

The onboard systems draw power from two 290ekW generators.