Croatian-based Uljanik shipyard on June 15th 2012 successfully carried out the launching ceremony of the second ferry named Balaken (yard No.499) which is being built for the Azerbaijan State Caspian Sea Shipping Company. The launching ceremony was conducted at the Uljanik ‘s Slipway No.1.
The first vessel of the same project (yard No.498) was launched on May 10th 2012.
Each ship has a dwt of 5000 tonnes, length of 154.89 m and width of 17.5 m, with propulsion provided by two Uljanik MAN B6W engines (having the mark 5S26MC6) developing a power of 2000kW at 250 rpm/min.
The construction costs, of one vessel, are around 22 million euros. Vessels will have a new and improved design. In addition, these ferries with the ability to receive cars will have increased capacity to 54 units.
The contract for the construction of Yards 498 and 499 was signed in May 2011.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, June 18, 2012; Image: Uljanik Shipyard