Astilleros Espanoles Contracts To Build frain Forry For Swodish Interost

Astilleros Espanoles has contracted with Swedish shipowner Sweferry for the construction of a large ferry for the carriage of trains, road vehicles, cabins, with a capacity of 600 passengers, to be operated between Sweden and Germany. According to Astilleros, the vessel will be built at the Puerto Real yard and will be delivered in 23 months. The ship's dimensions will be 659.1 ft. by 95.1 ft. (200 m by 29 m), with a dwt of 7,290 metric tons.

Sweferry, a subsidiary of Swedi sh national railway company Statens Jarnvagar, currently owns a fleet of 10 highly specialized vessels. The new ferry will enter service in the Trelleborg-Rostock line, and will be able to complete five round trips per day, cruising at 21 knots, and completing a loading and unloading cycle in 75 minutes. The ferry will be driven by four main engines geared to two shafts, and due to its large dimensions and the difficult access at the Port of Trelleborg, will be fitted with three transverse thrusters as well as an extra rudder located at the bow, to allow for manuevering astern at 14 knots in a narrow channel. A duplicated navigation bridge will also be located to the aft. IMO regulations governing RoRo safety have been accounted for in the ferry's design. For more information on Astilleros Espanoles Circle 26 on Reader Service Card