TIM eMagazine Vol.2 Issue 10
Image Credits: icg.ie
ICG Invests €165.2
Million to Build
World’s Largest
Cruise Ferry
I
rish Continental Group plc (“ICG”) has entered into an agreement,
with the German company Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesselschaft
& Co.KG (“FSG”), whereby FSG has agreed to build a cruise ferry
for ICG at a contract price of €165.2 million. Upon completion,
it will be the largest cruise ferry in the world in terms of vehicle
capacity.
The cruise ferry will accommodate 1,800 passengers and
crew, with capacity for 5,610 freight lane metres, which provides
the capability to carry 330 freight units per sailing. Overall, it will
effectively be a 50% increase in peak freight capacity compared
to the MV Ulysses.
The Agreement between ICG and FSG provides that the cruise ferry is
scheduled for delivery before Mid-2020. Twenty percent of the contract
price will be paid in instalments during the construction period. The balance
of 80% will be paid on delivery. ICG intend to utilise credit facilities to
finance the cruise ferry. The pre-delivery instalment payments to FSG will
be protected by means of bank guarantees.
This cruise ferry will be designed and built to the highest standards
of cruise shipping, and equipped with efficiency, comfort and capacity in
mind. Emissions scrubber technology (included in the above price) and
ballast water systems will meet current and known future environmental
regulations and will deliver optimal fuel consumption while minimising
related costs. The cruise ferry will be powered by four main engines
delivering 33,600 KW of power which will ensure a high degree of service
reliability equal to the MV Ulysses which is currently the most reliable ship
to ever operate on the Irish Sea.
The cruise ferry is being built specifically for Irish Ferries Dublin – Holy-
head services. It is expected to replace the schedule of the MV Ulysses,
which in turn will replace the currently chartered vessel MV Epsilon in
the fleet. This will allow for the deployment of the W.B. Yeats (arriving Mid
2018) full-time on the direct Ireland – France route alongside the MV Oscar
Wilde. The cruise ferry will also adhere to Ice Class specification which
allows for a wide geographic area of operation.
Freight capacity will be provided over five decks. Uniquely, the vessel
has been designed for three tier freight bow loading to allow for efficient
loading/unloading and quick turnaround times. Passenger facilities will
be spread over three decks. In addition to a superb choice of bars, restaurants
(to include both á la carte and self-service options), special provision has
been made for premium Club Class passengers, with a dedicated lounge
featuring private access direct from the vehicle decks. A choice of state-
of -the-art entertainment options and cinemas, dedicated facilities for
freight drivers, as well as many retail outlets will ensure that all passengers
will be comfortable and engaged throughout their journey.
This new cruise ferry provides Irish Ferries with a significant increase in
both its freight & tourism carrying capacity on the fast-growing Dublin –
Holyhead route.
Referring to the announcement Eamonn Rothwell, Chief Executive
Officer, commented that;
“This investment underpins the confidence the Group has in the
markets in which we operate. Alongside the recent investment in the MV
W.B. Yeats, it brings our total investment to €315m for these two vessels
designed for our operations on the Irish Sea. The construction of a cruise
ferry of this size will offer both additional capacity and an enhanced
experience for both our tourism and freight customers. This infrastructural
investment enhances “the bridge” to the UK & Continental Europe that is a
vital part of the continued success of Ireland’s open economy.”
icg.ie
Image Credits: icg.ie
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