By
Rebecca Gibson |
Danish ship design firm Knud E. Hansen has designed a concept ro-pax ferry that has capacity for up to 1,500 passengers and 440 cars, as well as an extra 657 lane metres for trucks and trailers.
Measuring 154 metres in length, the concept vessel has three decks devoted to passenger accommodation and public spaces. They include 112 en suite cabins (all twin occupancy and most outward facing), a self-service restaurant, a bar, two lounges, an internet café, a reception, a shopping area, an open observation deck and several sun decks with seating. All interiors were designed in collaboration with Design Studio B33 ad were inspired by both simplistic Scandinavian decor trends and the islands and cities of the Mediterranean.
Other features include 41 single-occupancy cabins, dining spaces and other recreational facilities for crew and officers, as well as a dedicated helipad on the top deck. The vessel also has a main deck with an extra-wide stern ramp for loading trucks, two car decks with a dedicated passenger ramp and an escalator leading to the accommodation decks. Part of the car deck at the forward end of Deck 4 is hoistable so it can be raised to allow for additional truck loading.
The ferry has four marine diesel oil engines, a diesel-electric propulsion plant and azimuthing pods, all of which facilitate a service speed of 25 knots. A large onboard battery bank can power the vessel in ports, eliminating emissions. Meanwhile, two tunnel bow thrusters work with the azipods to enable the vessel to move laterally without any forward or aft motion, which makes mooring easier.
According to Knud E. Hansen, the ferry’s manoeuvring and docking capabilities make her an ideal choice for the Mediterranean market, although she has been designed to sail in a variety of locations and operating conditions worldwide.
Certified as a EuroClass Type A ship, the ferry complies with Safety of Life At Sea and Safe Return to Port requirements.