New ferry is now in her element

Papenburg, 13.09.2003 - The RoRo-car and passenger ferry Pont-Aven (39.300 GT) for Brittany Ferries is in her element. Michel Maraval, Alexis Gourvennec and Henri-Jean Lebeau, managing directors of the French customer opened the valves of the dock gates by pressing the button and one hundred million litres of water were flowing into the building dock. The floating ferry was moved within the covered building dock I aftwards to be ready for the approaching engine trials and for final outfitting. This floating-up means a significant building phase before the ferry is finally leaving the covered building dock. Approximately one third of the prefabricated cabins which have been fabricated by Messrs. G+H PreCab in Papenburg have already been installed on the ship. Also the interior accommodation outfitting will be completed in the remaining time. On the ship, with a length of 182 metres and a breadth of 30.90 metres, 650 cabins in total are being installed. The Pont-Aven is able to carry 2200 passengers, 650 cars and 20 trucks. With a total engine capacity of 68,500 HP, the ship will reach a speed of 27 knots (approx. 50 km/h). This newbuilding which Brittany Ferries will start operating in the spring of 2004, will be the first European passenger and car ferry which offers a wealth of convenience and comfort as on a luxuury cruise vessel, such as an indoor glass covered swimming pool, cabins with balconies, cinema and trend setting restaurants and bistros. She will be operating between France - England - Ireland - Spain. Pont-Aven - Main Particulars