Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in Harlingen (the Netherlands) has delivered a fast catamaran to German island ferry operator Wyker Dampfschiffs-Reederei Föhr Amrum GmbH (W.D.R.). The vessel manages to combine a relatively high speed with a very low draft.
Following sea trials on 3 May, the vessel named Adler Rüm Hart was repositioned to Germany, where it was christened on 15 May. The vessel will now start service on charter to Adler-Schiffe GmbH & Co. KG, a Westerland-based operator specialised in day excursions and Wadden Sea passenger transport. On a daily basis, the vessel will link the Island of Föhr with the neighbouring island of Amrum, the holms of Hooge and Langeness as well as the mainland port of Dagebüll.
High Speed with a Very Low Draft
Aiming to strengthen inter-island connections, W.D.R. decided to contract a fast passenger vessel back in 2017. 'The main challenge for us was the owner's request to achieve a service speed of 16 knots in the shallow Wadden Sea waters, even against the tide,' comments Geert Dokter, MD of Conoship International BV. 'Reaching such a relatively high speed with a small design having a very low draft is not easy, but Friday's trials proved that the task is completed successfully.'
Passenger Capacity
At a length of 34.15 m and a width of 10.50 m, the catamaran accommodates a maximum of 250 passengers in summer, including about 100 sitting on deck. The ship's winter capacity is reduced to 150 passengers accommodated in a spacious, bright salon on the main deck complete with a small pantry.
The Rüm Hart, which sails with a crew of three, has been designed with the requirements of persons with reduced mobility in mind. Toilets suitable for PRM are in place as well.
Milestone Contract for Thecla Bodewes
For family-owned Thecla Bodewes Shipyards Group, the construction of the Rüm Hart constituted an important milestone. The company hopes the catamaran will strengthen the yard's international reputation, which may result in similar orders from abroad.
Work on the new catamaran has been intense in recent months in order to complete the vessel in due time for the main tourist season's start. 'We subcontracted the aluminium hull production to Bloemsma in Makkum,' says Thecla Bodewes, owner and CEO of Thecla Bodewes Shipyards. 'On 01 December 2018, the completed hull was transported to our own shipyard in Harlingen for completion and outfitting.'
Picture: The Rüm Hart, here already sporting the charter brand name of Adler Rüm Hart, on sea trials (by W.D.R.).
