WSC supplies two new ferries to Mexico

The two 37m fast ferries are designed by Incat Crowther and will be transported to Cancun in Mexico at the beginning of July.

“Working with Ultramar is a good match for WSC, our standards and attention to detail are of paramount importance to produce not only an on-time build, but one of superior quality. Ultramar provide both commuter and holiday destination vessels and the level of fitout is far higher than normal commuter boats,” said Peter Morton, WSC’s chief executive.

Critical issues for the newbuilds were timely delivery and the weight saving target that needed to be achieved as fuel costs are high in Mexico. To meet these targets, the vessels are 20,000kg lighter than comparable models, thanks to new construction techniques developed by WSC.

With a capacity of 459 passengers, the vessels are powered by two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines with output at 2 x 1500 kW (2012 hp) @ 1800 rpm. Gearboxes are two ZF 7600’s with propulsion being supplied by two fixed pitch propellers supplied by Southampton’s CJR Propulsion who also suppled their new curved hydrodynamic designed rudders.

WSC also secured its first large ferry export order for Twin City Liner in Vienna earlier this year. Employed as a commuter and sightseeing vessel on the River Danube, the order is Wight Shipyard’s first multi-million-pound export order for a 250-passenger river ferry.