Mitsubishi retrofits retractable fin stabilisers

The vessels, Fast Ferries Andros owned by Greek company Cyclades Fast Ferries Shipping Co and Stena Alegra owned by Stena Rederi, were retrofitted and sea trialled last year and are already in service. They take the number of retractable fins delivered by MHI to 177 since the first set were delivered in 1989.

Fast Ferries Andros, which operates between Rafina in Greece and Aegean Sea islands including Andros and Mykonos, has been fitted with the MR-1 fin stabiliser, in order to reduce vibrations. The 5sq m fin stabiliser weighs 26 tonnes and has an output of 22kW.

Stena Alegra was fitted with the MR-2 stabiliser to prepare the vessel for resale to an owner planning to operate the vessel near New Zealand, in severe tidal conditions. The 7sq m fin stabiliser weighs 39 tonnes and has an output of 37kW.

“Installation work at the dock and their operation in the sea were very smooth and their performances were as effective as planned,” said MHI, adding that it would aim to generate further retrofit sales where owners were planning a resale, change of the operation route or to improve performance.