China's Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) has cut the first steel for the first of two Ro-Pax ferries in a series ordered by Italy's Onorato Armatori.
The 237- by 32-metre vessel will sail under the name Moby Fantasy with Onorato Armatori subsidiary Moby Lines. Once completed, it will have capacity for 2,500 passengers and up to 3,800 lane metres of freight.
The ferry will be fitted with diesel engines that will deliver a service speed of 23.5 knots. It may also be modified in future to accommodate LNG propulsion if desired.
The vessel's design was provided by OSK-ShipTech.
Delivery is scheduled for the summer of 2022.