Russians revisit classic hydrofoil design

The last of these ships was built well over 20 years ago, but now there are plans to revive the hydrofoil concept with an updated design. The Volga Shipyard at Nizhniy Novgorod, on the Volga River, built its original hydrofoils there to operate river services back in 1957. Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union these services have ceased, but they could now be revived.

The new vessel, known as the Comet 120M, will be of aluminium construction and will carry 120 passengers. Two models are planned, for fresh and salt water operations respectively, with variations in foil design and corrosion protection. The Comet 120M will be 35.2m long, with beam of 10.3m and static draught of 3.5m.

The designs show a fully enclosed passenger cabin at main deck level with seating for 98 in economy class and 22 in business class, with side platforms for boarding over the extended foils. The pilot house is above the passenger cabin. The new foil design should offer greater passenger comfort and increased efficiency.

Power is from a pair of 820bhp MTU diesels, driving propellers mounted at the rear foils via shafts and a V-drive gearbox. At full displacement and operating speed of 35 the range will be 200 miles. This new design will be certified for operations up to 50 miles from shore, to operate in waves up to 2m in foil-borne and 2.5m in displacement mode.

The yard hopes that the new design will revive interest in fast ferry services on Russian rivers, while its anticipated fuel efficiency could bring export orders.