The M/V NEREA, built by Sefine Shipyard for the Italian company Caronte & Tourist, was launched. The ship will be delivered in May 2023.
The contract for the construction of the M/V NEREA ferry between Caronte & Tourist and Sefine Shipyard was signed in February 2021. According to the agreement, Sefine Shipyard will deliver the 8300 gross tons SOLAS-compliant LNG-hybrid Ro-Pax ferry in 26.5 months. The design of the ferry was made by the Italy-based NAOS Ship and Boat Design firm. NAOS will also be responsible for hull optimization and tank testing of the ferry.
The 109,95 m long and 19,5 m wide ferry will continue to the mainland port of Naples on certain days of the week, connecting Milazzo, on the northeastern coast of Sicily, to the Aeolian Islands. She will replace the 1992 Laurana ferry and will carry 800 passengers and crew, as well as 115 vehicles and cargo. Sleeper cabs will also be built on the ferry for disabled and patient passengers. In addition, a single vehicle deck with a height of 5 meters will be placed at the stern to stow dangerous goods.
Powered by a hybrid engine
The diesel/LNG-electric ferry will be powered by four dual-fuel engines, two with an output of 2,900kW each and two with an output of 1,300kW each. The 250m² solar panels to be added to the design of the ferry will charge the 1,000 kW batteries. She can reach a speed of 16.5 knots, and the two bow thrusters to be added will increase the mobility of the ferry in small ports.
Features of the M/V NEREA
Total Length: 110 meters
Width: 19.5 meters
Capacity: 800 Persons / 115 Cars
Class: RINA
Flag: Italy
Main Drive Motors: 2 x 2900 kW DF + 2 x 1300 kW DF
Main Thruster: 2 x 2500 kW Azimuth Thruster
LNG Tank Capacity: 150 m3
Battery Capacity: 1000 kW/h & 50 kW Solar Panel