High-speed ferries are becoming an integral component of the marine industry. With their robust construction and impressive passenger carrying capacity, fast ferries are operating extensively in international waters. Although it lacks a clear-cut definition, high-speed craft usually belongs to an exclusive category of marine vessels that also includes hovercrafts, catamarans, and hydrofoils. Moreover, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has laid down construction criteria to manufacture such a type of seagoing vessel. If you are interested in high speed ferries for sale, then read our blog to discover important facts about it.
1. Crucial Construction Criteria
Special hull design –
Weight-saving materials are sought after for hull construction to save weight in outfitting, structure, and machinery. Remember, lighter structure means extra weight available for fuel and payload thereby leading to increased speed & efficiency. To ensure light and stiff hull design, marine-grade aluminum of 5000 series is generally used for construction. High tensile steel can also be chosen for its strength, high impact resistance, and facilitating low-cost construction. These materials are certainly still popular, but composites have created a breakthrough in the realm of hull construction.
Composite construction using high tech materials such as carbon fiber is the best and lightest construction method for offering a greater strength-to-weight ratio. Composite hull construction is a must for vessels in which speed & efficiency are of prime importance. However, highly expensive construction cost is a drawback of this method. Therefore, when you are planning to buy high speed ferries for sale, you must check its hull design and how it is impacting the overall purchase cost.
Propulsion choice –
When it comes to propulsion choice, the power-to-weight factor is worth considering. Today, medium or high-speed diesel engines are integrated with digital-electronic controls and turbo-charged to derive maximum horsepower from its unit. As far as choosing the means of propulsion is concerned, designers opt for either conventional propeller or water jet propulsion. However, the latter is the safest choice for many reasons. Conventional propeller tends to cause cavitation and break down in speeds, which in turn, disturbs the efficiency of the vessel.
Rotating at high speed, water jets offer maximum thrust and superior cavitation resistance. Moreover, the easy installation process reduces any need for expensive or heavy gearboxes. Given their sophisticated design, water jet propellers cause no torque effect, hull vibration, and engine overload. Also, the absence of rubber or underwater appendages facilitates a seamless propulsion and hull interaction. For all these reasons, this propulsion system enjoys greater advantages over outboard motors, stern drives, and shafted propellers.
2. International Safety Code and Construction Considerations
International Code of Safety by the International Maritime Organization has put down the guidelines for the construction of high-speed vessels. Out of all the standards they consider, the principle of propulsion and consideration of the hull structure is of prime importance. Other standards comprise navigational equipment, safety gears, passenger and crew accommodation, and steering & stabilization. It is based on these factors, ship surveys are conducted and operational certificates are further issued.
Apart from construction, the safety code also requires vessel owners to ensure proper maintenance of their high-speed craft. To pass routine inspection by the designated authority, high-quality maintenance following elaborate instructions is a must. Moreover, to operate these vessels properly, one has to pay attention to documentation, take safety measures & conduct training, and follow emergency instructions.
Conclusion –
Investing in high speed ferries for sale is a big decision you are about to make. To ensure that you are putting your money in the right place, make it a point to check its design standards and propulsion system. With such confirmations, you can be assured of the durability and longevity of your fast ferry. But before you make any purchase decision, we suggest you consult with Norwegian Ship Sales, a leading shipbroker company without fail. Consulting with experts is necessary to ensure a high ROI on your investment.
