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Reduced crossing times, more cargo and better passenger comfort, the SuperSpeed 1 promises a lot. Photo: Pär-Henrik Sjöström
SuperSpeed 1 marks a new Skagerrak era
Color Line’s two newbuildings of the SuperSpeed type introduce a new transport concept to ferry traffic between Norway and Denmark.
The owner foresees a significant increase in both passenger and cargo volumes.
After a rather problematic outfitting stage, the first of Color Line’s two fast ferries was finally delivered at Aker Yards Rauma shipyard on February 27, 2008. Originally ordered on December 15, 2005, for delivery on December 14, 2007, the overheated situation in the Finnish shipbuilding sector caused serious delays. In the final stage the project was also afflicted by technical problems related to equipment from sub-suppliers. The delivery of the SuperSpeed 1 was postponed at short notice twice – the second time in the last few minutes before the planned takeover ceremony when invited guests had already boarded the ship.
The naming ceremony was held in Kristiansand on March 12 after a hectic period of tests and running-in of the routines. The SuperSpeed 1 entered service on the Kristiansand–Hirsthals route on March 13. She replaced the conventional ferry Christian IV.
The sister vessel SuperSpeed 2 will be introduced on the Larvik–Hirtshals service in June 2008. The ferry Peter Wessel has been sold to MSC and will be taken out of service on 6 April 2008. After that Christian IV will be transferred temporarily to the Larvik route.
Despite the problems caused by late delivery, Color Line thinks that the two newbuildings worth in total EUR 250 million will introduce a revolutionary transport concept in the Skagerrak.
“The ship and the concept are fantastic and we are most pleased with the response that the SuperSpeed has got. The increase in passenger bookings is close to 50,000 compared to the corresponding period during the first half of last year,” explains Helge Otto Mathisen, Executive Vice President for Communication and Public Affairs at Color Line.
No passenger cabins
With a service speed of 27 knots the SuperSpeed 1 has reduced the crossing time from 4.5 hours to 3 hours and 15 minutes. On the somewhat longer route Larvik–Hirtshals the crossing time is calculated to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Due to the short crossing time on both routes there is no longer any need for passenger cabins on board.
According to Color Line the idea behind the large investment in the Color Line SuperSpeed concept is an increasing demand for fast and efficient transports between Norway and the Continent. This is especially seen in the freight volumes, which show an annual growth of ten per cent in recent years.
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Four engines, 38,400 kW, and two propellers makes 27 knots.
Photo: Aker Yards/Jouni Saaristo |
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2,036 lane metres on two simultaneously accessible decks.
Photo: Aker Yards/Jouni Saaristo |
Drive through
On the Kristiansand–Hirtshals route the introduction of the SuperSpeed 1 means that the freight capacity will grow by three times. The cargo capacity of the Christian IV is 700 lane metres, while the SuperSpeed 1 has a total of 2,036 lane metres on two decks.
Land based ramps directly connect the upper deck with the ferry terminals, allowing cargo handling simultaneously on both decks. The vessels have access on two levels, both in the bow and in the stern, providing drive-through capability on both decks. Between main deck and upper deck there is also a hoistable tilting ramp.
The aft part of the upper trailer deck is open, making the SuperSpeed 1 suitable for shipments of hazardous cargo as well. On the upper deck there is a hoistable car deck for private cars with a total of 1,035 lane metres. All cargo handling equipment has been supplied by MacGregor.
The terminal area in Kristiansand has been upgraded for the increased cargo flow. In Larvik a new and modern port facility has been built for NOK 270 million. The infrastructure is planned for short turnaround times. The time in port for the SuperSpeed 1 is just one hour for unloading and loading.
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Logistics in focus
The public areas on the SuperSpeed 1 have been designed to fulfil the values ‘efficient, modern, comfortable and smart’. Logistics is an important issue, as the passenger capacity is close to 2,000. Provisions and stores are lifted on board in special containers with a gantry crane in the mid-section of the top deck.
The interiors are designed by the interior architect Finn Falkum-Hansen. Orientation on board is made easy, as there are a couple of large open spaces, surrounded by shops and seats. The most important area is the Centrum, which is two decks high, and the Bluefins’ Lounges & Bars situated aft span through two decks. The areas in connection to the three main stairways also have different colour schemes to make it easier for passengers to find their way.
All restaurants and bars are situated on decks 7 and 8. The large tax-free market is situated in the forward part of deck 7 with the Centrum abaft of it. One deck above the large buffet restaurant Catch Me If You Can is located in the forward part with a splendid view forward. On the upper level of the Centrum is the café Fly Me To The Moon.
On deck 9 there are 54 cabins for drivers to provide the opportunity for a rest during the sea crossing. The same deck also houses the compartments for the crew, containing 71 cabins.
The basic design of the SuperSpeed 1 has been done by the shipyard and the consulting engineers Elomatic. The hull is designed for high speed in combination with good sea-keeping qualities in rough seas. The ship is equipped with fin stabilizers. The SuperSpeed 1 fulfils the new probabilistic damage stability rules as stipulated in SOLAS 2009.
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Older issues
2008
