EAST Cowes based Wight Shipyard Co has secured its first multi-million pound export order for new river catamaran which will run on the River Danube between Vienna and Bratislava - joining two European capital cities.

The order for the 39 metre vessel has been welcomed by the Isle of Wight shipyard and follows a highly successful 2017.

At the end of August Red Funnel confirmed an order for a second 41 metre high speed passenger ferry.

This followed soon after Scotland’s Jacobite Cruises placed an order for a 21 metre day cruise catamaran for Loch Ness.

Wight Shipyard CEO Peter Morton, said: “This order for Twin City Liner in Vienna, our first export order, follows domestic orders for Red Funnel and MBNA Thames Clippers, both of which we secured against international competition.

“Our reputation for building the finest high speed ferries in the world is spreading, making the prospects for Wight Shipyard look healthy. Our strong order book is a big vote of confidence for our Isle of Wight shipwrights, the marine industry and indeed the UK economy.”

The new 250 seat vessel will be a low wash, round bilge catamaran designed by Incat Crowther.

Passengers will board the new craft via midship doors port and starboard and enter a bright and airy main cabin capable of seating up to 186 passengers. A kiosk providing a range of snacks and refreshments will be provided aft on the starboard side. On the port side toilets are provided one of which is for disabled customers.

Above, the upper deck is accessed from a centre staircase in the main cabin as well as two staircases aft on the open deck. External seating will be provided for 29 passengers while aft of the elevated wheelhouse interior seating is available for 35 passengers. Being a commuter ferry as well as a cruise

vessel, there will be space for 12 bikes on the aft deck.

In the hulls, the engine rooms are designed to provide crews with maximum access with all machinery arranged in the same space. The engine rooms as well as the jet rooms are designed so the engines, generators and water jets can be removed without slipping the vessel or damaging the superstructure or hull.

The vessel will be powered by four Scania DI16 072M main engines, each producing 809 kW at 2300rpm. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 38 knots, the vessel will sail on the Danube at a service speed of 32.4 knots at modest MCR.

Dr Gerd Krämer, Managing Director of Twin City Liner said: "With the new vessel from Wight Shipyard Co we want to extend the success story of Twin City Liner for the next 25 years. Customer experience is key to our business and with our new catamaran we are promising our passengers an even more exciting and enjoyable time on the Danube River.

The new vessel will be delivered in time for the 2019 summer season, starting at the end of March.