By
Elizabeth Robinson |
UK-based operator Wightlink has launched its new environmentally friendly ferry, Victoria of Wight, at Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.
Cemre started building Victoria of Wight in November 2016 and all dry dock work has now been completed. Over the next few weeks, the team will complete the interior outfitting work. Victoria of Wight will debut on Solent in summer 2018, becoming the first-ever hybrid ferry on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route between the UK and the Isle of Wight.
“The launch marked a significant milestone for Wightlink in our £45million investment in future services,” said John Burrows, project director, Wightlink. “Our new flagship is now afloat, and we look forward to welcoming her to the Solent this summer.”
Victoria of Wight will accommodate 1,000 passengers, have two fixed vehicle decks for 178 cars and will be powered by Wärtsilä’s hybrid battery technology to improve efficiency, reduce the exhaust emissions and lower noise levels. Prior to the vessel’s debut, Wightlink will embark on a programme to train 11 crews to make the most of the hybrid battery technology. In addition to hybrid battery technology, the ferry’s other green features include a system to recycle energy from the lifts and a solution to use surplus heat from the engines to warm passenger areas.