VESSELS & SHIPYARDS

Ropax designers seek efficiencies as capacity ceiling looms

6 years ago

Maximum ropax ferry capacities may have plateaued at 5,600 lane metres, despite strong incentives to meet efficiency improvements via economies of scale, writes Kari Reinikainen. Owners will also have to think of future regulatory considerations with their newbuilding plans.

The capacity of ropaxes has not really increased since the Stena Hollandica (pictured) was launched in 2010.

Maximum ropax ferry capacities may have plateaued at 5,600 lane metres, despite strong incentives to meet efficiency improvements via economies of scale, writes Kari Reinikainen. Owners will also have to think of future regulatory considerations with their newbuilding plans.