Schulte Marine Concept (S.M.C), the project management arm of leading international maritime services company Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has been awarded a contract from the Icelandic Road Authorities, Vegagerðin, for providing site supervision of a roomy passenger and car ferry, which will be built in Crist S.A. shipyard in Poland, handling the trading route between the Landeyjahöfn and Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Trading area is characterized by very demanding sailing conditions, a pattern of cof long ocean waves and short coastal waves further complicated by strong transversal sea current at the harbor entry, with water depth limited to only 4,5 m. Such conditions set very high level of vessel’s maneuverability and seakeeping performance. The vessel will be also suitable for occasional trips to other further ports, hence the design and execution of the unit is highly specialized
The vessel, with concept design developed by very renowned Polarkonsult AS of Norway, will be fitted a diesel-electric power plant supported by an 800-kWh battery pack offering a short-term output of 4.800 kW. This peak power will be available for high power maneuvering in harbor, especially when entering Landeyjahöfn. The plant is capable of driving all four thrusters at 100% power. The batteries will be charged when docked or during sailing.
The ferry will be operated by a crew of 10, it will accommodate 390 passengers in winter and up to 540 passengers during the summer season, the difference in passenger’s number is due to the outdoor terrace which is impossible to use in the winter.
The vessel will be delivered in June 2018 and it replace the current vessel – MF Herjólfur, which was built in 1992.
S.M.C’s extensive experience with highly complex projects in major shipyards, qualified and experienced experts and competitive price were crucial elements winning the contract.