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Displaying items by tag: Irish Sea freight ferry news

#FREIGHT FERRY - The third of four newbuilds, Seatruck Performance was launched at the FGS Flensburg Yard, Germany, last week, according to The Motorship.

The first of the newbuildings, Seatruck Progress, is now operating on the Dublin-Liverpool route. The second in the series, Seatruck Power, will join this route in mid-February (see previous report HERE). The third vessel, Seatruck Performance, will begin operations in the Irish Sea in April and the final ferry will be launched at FSG at the end of March and is due to enter service in June.

All four ships will operate mainly in the Irish Sea. They are 142m long and 25m wide, boast a freight-carrying capacity of 2,166 lane-metres on four decks and can carry up to 155 trailers.

The FSG ships are the most efficient and modern in the Seatruck fleet, and will be the biggest to operate out of the port of Heysham, the length being determined by the size of this port.

FSG engineers designed the ships for eco-friendliness and low fuel consumption. Compared to conventional ships, they are said to consume up to 30% less fuel, saving costs and representing a significant contribution to environmental protection.

Published in Ferry

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.