A French Guyanese owner adds a new boat to its tour fleet as an LNG-fuelled cruise ship completes its initial sea trials. In Russia, a shipyard lays the keels of new sightseeing and commuter catamarans while a design firm unveils the first images of an inner city transport with space for 200 people.
RIB delivered to French Guyana tour company
UAE-based Asis Boats recently delivered a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to French Guyana tour operator Marine and Loisirs.
The 9.5-metre boat can seat up to 11 passengers plus two crewmembers. Roll-down transparent covers will provide protection for the occupants when sailing under adverse weather conditions.
Other key features include handrails for safer passenger transfers and a reinforced aluminium-encapsulated bow for added protection when navigating in restrictive marina waters.
Royal Caribbean's newest ship wraps up first sea trials
Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku has completed the initial series of sea trials of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship.
The 5,600-guest ship is set to undergo a second series of sea trials later this year. It will be delivered in time for its scheduled maiden voyage in January 2024.
Notable features on the new ship will include a six-slide waterpark, five pools, and an LNG propulsion system that also includes fuel cells. The fuel cells will also be used as a lower-emission alternative energy source for generating onboard electricity as well as fresh water.
Icon of the Seas will serve year-round itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of its homeport of Miami.
Keels laid for Russian commuter and tour catamarans
Russia's Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant has laid the keels of four new catamaran vessels slated for local operator Neva Travel Company.
The four vessels belong to two different series. Two high-speed catamarans will provide both commuter and tourist shuttle services while the other two vessels will be used purely for sightseeing excursions.
All four vessels will be owned by State Transport Leasing Company and operated by Neva Travel.
Russian designer unveils 200-passenger urban ferry concept
Russian marine engineering firm Sea-Tech has unveiled a concept design of an inner city commuter ferry with capacity for 200 passengers.
Each vessel in the series will measure between 38 and 44 metres long and will be powered by two 110kW engines. Passenger seating will be available on two decks.
The interior layout can be modified according to customer requirements.
