The keel for the first of two new ferries for Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth service was laid on Tuesday, 26th June at the Kraljevica Shipyard in Croatia.

In a ceremony that was attended by representatives of Wightlink and its Naval Architects, Hart Fenton, the first keel was laid on schedule, with the keel for the second ship due to be laid later this month. The two ferries will then take shape together, ready for a launch date in the autumn when fitting out will commence. Completion is due for the spring of next year and the two ferries are scheduled to start services in time for the height of the summer season in 2008.

No names have yet been chosen for the two new ferries, but Wightlink is considering a competition amongst regular users of the Lymington to Yarmouth route to choose the names of the new ferries which will replace two of the existing fleet. 

The new ferries will incorporate around 700 tons of steel and carry up to 360 passengers and 65 cars when introduced to service. They are being built to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping standards and although only a fraction bigger than the existing ferries, the new ships will encompass the special charm that has become the tradition of the Lymington to Yarmouth route vessels.

Wightlink has a full time Project Manager on site at the Kraljevica Shipyard in Colin Stanton, who will remain in Croatia until the ships are fully fitted out and ready to leave Croatia for their new home in the Solent.

Commenting on the first keel being laid for the new ships, Kerry Jackson, Wightlink’s Marketing Manager, said: -

“This was a momentous occasion for Wightlink as it marks the start of a whole new era for the Lymington to Yarmouth route.  These new ferries will be more fuel efficient, offer greater flexibility and will have attractive modern passenger facilities on board. We are confident our regular passengers will be delighted when they see the quality and design of these new ships once they come into service next year.”

ENDS

26th June 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

Notes to Editors:

Some facts about the new Wightlink 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