Scandlines has taken over two hulls of its new vessels, which were under construction at P+S WERFTEN shipyard in Stralsund.
The hull purchase agreement with the shipyard, which went bankrupt, was signed in February.
Scandlines said that the company will transfer the hulls to another shipyard so that they can be outfitted within one year and subsequently enter into service on the Rostock–Gedser route. The new vessels will replace ferries Kronprins Frederik and Prins Joachim currently serving the route.
There are a number of European shipyards interested in making an offer for the modification and completion of the vessels, said Scandlines in a press release.
Whichever shipyard wins the contract it will need to reduce the weight of the ships, most probably by removing the top passenger deck. The transport capacity will remain unchanged (96 trucks or 480 cars) but the number of passengers will be decreased from 1500 to 1300.
What is more, the new vessels will be equipped with a hybrid-drive system and, in combination with a smaller scrubber, will meet the emission requirements which will enter into force on 1 January 2015.
Scandlines expects to sign a contract with the new shipyard next month.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, March 17, 2014; Image: Scandlines