Seaspovill signs Contract for second Damen Fast Ferry

South Korean operator Seaspovill signed its second contract for a Fast Ferry with the Netherlands-based shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group. The Fast Ferry 4212—to be named SEA STAR 5—will operate between Mookho and Ulleung-Do at the East coast of South Korea.

The ferry is a high-speed catamaran passenger ferry. As Damen keeps this successful type of ferry on stock, the vessel has a short delivery time. The Damen Fast Ferry 4212 catamaran is designed and built to comply with the international code of safety for High Speed Craft, 2000 HSC Code.

The vessel measures 42.2m in length and has a beam of 11.6m. The passenger accommodation can carry 449 persons in total: 306 people on the main deck and 143 on the upper deck. SEA STAR 5 will be able to store baggage and light cargo in the spacious cargo room. She has a spacious wheelhouse with comfortable seats for a three-crew operation and a spacious engine room.

The main deck features 30-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) television screens and DVD players to offer entertainment to passengers. These spaces are air-conditioned with temperature control and on-demand fresh air supply. On the main deck there is a toilet area with six toilets and one disabled toilet, which is also accessible for wheelchairs. Also, there is a kiosk for hot and cold servings.

One of the deciding factors for Seaspovill in choosing the Damen Fast Ferry 4212 is its low fuel consumption and its excellent sailing performance at the sometimes rough Korean East Sea. Because it is an 80-sea-mile track, the comfort on board is one of the most important factors. In addition, the vessel needs to be fast in order to stay ahead of the competition. Therefore, the vessel is powered by four MTU main engines (16V2000 M72) and has a maximum speed of 40 knots.

Because Damen builds its DFF 4212s on stock, the vessel has a short delivery time. SEA STAR 5 will be completed and customised according to the requirements of Seaspovill at Damen Shipyards Singapore. The vessel is expected to be at the completing stage in early 2015, so it can immediately start off at the touristic season.

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 ship- and repair yards, employing 8,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approximately 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide.

Based on its unique, standardised ship design concept, Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality. Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction, and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low total cost of ownership, high resale value, and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.

Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high-speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons, and super yachts.

For nearly all vessel types, Damen offers a broad range of services such as maintenance, spare parts delivery, training, and transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Finally, Damen offers a variety of marine components, especially nozzles, flap-type rudders, steering gear, anchors, anchor chains, and steel works.

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 36  No.5  Issue last October 31, 2014.