Strategic Marine, a leading specialist shipbuilder in Asia, has launched the Shanna, its first of two 45-metre ro-pax catamarans to the National Ferries Company of Oman.

The vessel is the first of its kind built by Strategic at its Vietnam shipyard and its sister vessel, the ‘Jawharat,’ will be delivered at the end of the month, said a statement.
 
"The global ferry market is of significant importance to us and we have strong pedigree in building these and similar types of vessels in our other regional yards," said Reece Newbold, group business development manager.

"Although the aluminium ferry market has been depressed for a while, it remains a focus sector for us due to excellent relationships, both established and new, in key international hubs."

Designed by Sea Transport Solutions, the two 45-metre vessels can carry 294 passengers (154 internal) and 38 cars or four trucks and 24 cars. They utilise four CAT C18 Acert main engines, 357kW at 1800 rpm with continuous 'A' rating, and can achieve speeds of 18 knots (15 knots at maximum load), said the statement.

Both vessels will operate on the Shanna-Masirah route from the mainland to the northern tip of Oman's largest island, it said. - TradeArabia News Service