VESSEL REVIEW | Fort Pyetr I – Inner city tour and commuter shuttle delivered to Russian owner

Russia's Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant has handed over a new fast catamaran ferry ordered by local customer State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) for operation by Saint Petersburg-based Neva Travel Company.

Like its Project 04580 sister vessels, Fort Pyetr I ("Fort Peter I") was designed by local engineering company Forss Technology in compliance to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping requirements. The vessels may be operated both as commuter ferries and as tourist shuttles.

The newbuild boasts all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 32 metres, a beam of 8.7 metres, a draught of 1.32 metres, a depth of 1.4 metres, a speed of 31 knots, and space for three crewmembers and 150 passengers in the main deck cabin and another 50 passengers on the open upper deck. The main cabin is fitted with large panoramic windows to provide improved visibility, while the interior layout ensures access even for passengers with limited mobility.

The vessel is powered by two 882kW engines, which enable sailings at speeds of up to 31 knots. Operations sailings will be done at a slightly lower service speed of 28 knots.

The ferry is capable of both inland and coastal sailings, as the design is optimised for operation in the waters in and around Saint Petersburg as well as further out into the Gulf of Finland. The vessel's low height enables it to safely pass underneath bridges while the configuration of the hull generates only minimal wake. The design also means the existing jetty infrastructure already used by the city's hydrofoil ferries need not undergo additional modifications just to accommodate the Project 04580 vessels.

Fort Pyetr I has already begun providing commuter services between the cities of Saint Petersburg and Kronstadt. It has also commenced shuttling tourists between the Saint Petersburg city centre and the island forts and other destinations in nearby Neva Bay.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country's leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

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