The Stena Transformer ocean-going ro-ro vessel has been launched today at Baltisky Zavod shipyard (Saint-Petersburg), PortNews reporter tells. The vessel’s length – 212 m, breadth – 226.7 m, depth – 15.5 m. The vessel’s speed is 22 knots. The vessel may carry up to 200 trailers. Total length of parking lines onboard the vessel is 3600 m. Ro-ro vessels of this series are rated among high-speed vessels. The ferry has 3 cargo decks equipped with mobile slipways. The vessel has over 100 harbor cabins for 300 passengers.
After launching the vessel is to undergo final installation of piping and devices within two weeks at Baltisky Zavod. Then the vessel is to go to Norway for equipment at FMV shipyard.
The contract for construction of two hulls for ro-ro vessels with horizontal loading (Ro-Pax type) was signed between Baltisky Zavod and Norwegian shipyard Fosen Mekaniske Verksteder A/S (FMV) late in August 2004. total value of the contract is about $40 million. Baltisky Zavod has completed construction of the hulls with partial equipment. The first vessel of the series – Stena Trador – was put into operation in August 2006 at European sea lines.