VESSEL REVIEW | Sotaliya – Russian operator places tour and commuter ferry into service

Russian passenger transport company Vodohod has begun operational sailings of a new tourist and commuter vessel built by United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).

Named Sotaliya after a genus of dolphin, the newbuild belongs to the Project 03850 series of passenger vessels designed by USC's Onega Research Design and Technology Bureau for sightseeing and regular commuter voyages in Russia's inland waterways, particularly in the western region of Nizhny Novgorod. The shallow draught and the diesel-electric waterjet propulsion allow safe and environment-friendly operations even in urban waters. USC developed the series with ease of construction as a key point, and plans are for 10 to 15 such vessels to be delivered and introduced into service each year.

The ferry has a length of 17.5 metres, a beam of 3.3 metres, a draught of only 0.5 metre, a displacement of 12 tonnes, and capacity for 30 passengers. The main cabin has two forward helm stations, a toilet, and a spacious layout with large windows to provide passengers with near-unobstructed views of the outside surroundings during the vessel's regular sailings. The cabin can also be modified to accommodate business class seating and tables if needed.

The interior lighting can be adjusted depending on the time of day and outside weather conditions. The cabin is kept comfortable with the aid of an HVAC system. Space is also available for luggage racks and a storage compartment for lifejackets.

The propulsion system has a rated output of 230 kW and will allow sailings for a maximum of 10 hours at speeds of up to 13.4 knots.

The ferry itself is of modular construction to enable ease of disassembly, transport by road, and re-assembly on-site. The design is flexible enough that loading and unloading of passengers can be done via the bow even without the aid of dedicated shore infrastructure, though both sides and the stern may also be used for loading and unloading at adequately equipped jetties. The open aft deck is fitted with weather-resistant railings for greater safety and may even accommodate additional seats for passengers.

Design work on Sotaliya and its Project 03850 sisters was completed in compliance to Russian River Register rules.

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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