Construction of the two new car ferries for Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth service is expected to commence shortly following signing of contracts with the Brodogradiliste Shipyard in Kraljevica, Croatia in December last year. The yard is one of Europe’s oldest established facilities, with a history of shipbuilding dating back to 1729.

Brodogradiliste shipyard is owned by the Croatian Government, which has had to approve the contracts before physical construction can actually commence. Since December, however, much work has gone into finalisation of the design, preparation of drawings, regulatory approval, agreement on main equipment suppliers etc.

The first keel is due to be laid in April or May and the second in May or June. Anticipated launch dates for the ships are the end of September 2007 and the end of January 2008 respectively. Fitting out will take place after launching and delivery of the first ship is scheduled for the end of April 2008, with the second one following at the end of May thereafter. The ships are expected to commence in service in July 2008.

As yet, it has not been decided who should have the honour of launching the two vessels but, in terms of names, Wightlink is considering a competition amongst its regular passengers – details of which will be announced in due course.

The new ships are being built under the supervision of Portsmouth based Naval Architects, Hart Fenton; and Wightlink’s own Project Manager, Colin Stanton, who will be based at the yard in Croatia for the duration of the build.

Some facts about the new ferries: -

• Around 700 tons of steel will be used in the construction of each ship

• Each ship will have four main engines – Volvo D16MHs (6 cylinder, 552 kW)

• Propulsion for each ship will be provided by 2 x Voith Schneider 21 R5/135 propeller units

• Interior design will be by LAP Architects of Billericay, Essex

• During their expected lives, each ferry will undertake more than 200,000 trips and will cover more than 750,000 nautical miles.

Wightlink intends to look for buyers for the old ferries that will be retiring from the route, and that process will start later this year.

Commenting on the start of construction of the new ferries, Andrew Willson, Chief Executive of Wightlink, said:-

“We are delighted that our two new ferries are finally under construction in Croatia. They will herald a whole new chapter in Wightlink’s history as they will be more fuel efficient, offer greater flexibility and capacity for transporting cars and other commercial traffic; and will have attractive and modern passenger facilities on board – whilst not losing some of the charm that has become synonymous with the ferries on that route”.

“We will be announcing a competition to choose names for the new ships later this year, so we would ask our regular passengers on the Lymington/Yarmouth route to get their thinking caps on.”

ENDS

12th March 2007

For more information, please contact: -
Kerry Jackson, Marketing Manager, Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries
Tel. 023 9285 5427, e-mail kerryjackson@wightlink.co.uk
or
Christopher Clode at Christopher Clode Public Relations
Tel. 01243 431343, e-mail chris@chrisclodepr.com