New Linkspan Perfected For Catamaran Traffic
A new order for a purpose-built mechanical linkspan at the port of Ystad (southern Sweden) has been taken by TTS Port Equipment AB. Having delivered a similar installation at Ystad last year, TTS is building the new linkspan on the same principle of hydraulic cylinder operation. The linkspan will facilitate the Borholmstrafikken ferry company’s catamaran traffic between Ystad and Rønne on the island of Bornholm.
To accommodate the higher freeboard common to catamarans, the linkspan will be set at a higher level than for other traffic. In service since 2000, the catamaran Villum Clausen, will be using the new linkspan together with a new vessel ordered from Austal Yard in Australia. Commissioned by Denmark’s Nordic Ferry Services, this will be the company’s largest catamaran to date. Scheduled for delivery in 2011 and designed to carry 1,400 passengers and 357 cars, the 113m high-speed vessel will rank among the world’s top10 ferries of its kind in terms of capacity.