On Saturday 8th April, 2023 the 115 metre newbuilt high speed craft EXPRESS 5 entered Grand Harbour, Malta during her delivery voyage at 1825 hrs coming from her builders in Philippines via Suez Canal.
She was built by Austal Philippines as yard number 423 with Austal Australia as designer.
She’s a follow-up order to the 109 metre high-speed craft EXPRESS 4 which was delivered to the Danish operator Molslinjen in January 2019 of which we also saw her at Valletta back to 18th February, 2019 as per below images –
With a length overall (loa) of 115 metres with beam of 8 metres and a maximum draught of 3.3 metres, she has 4 LNG-compatible medium speed diesel engines that could potentially be upgraded to run entirely on LNG in the future. The four-stroke engines are fed by two 65,100-litre tanks and drive waterjets via Reintjes SVA L950 gearboxes.
Her passenger capacity is for 1,610 passengers plus 22 crewmembers and up to 617 lane metres of vehicle cargo and other freight. Facilities include a bistro, bars, and a children’s play area. The passenger spaces feature leather-appointed reclining seats with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, and multiple audio-visual screens.
EXPRESS 5 was designed in compliance to DNV class rules. With cruising speed of 37 knots her operating route will be between Ronne, Denmark, and Ystad, Sweden.
During her short stay she was berthed at Pinto 3 wharf, part of Valletta Cruise Port – www.vallettacruiseport.com which they are our SPONSORS too for a lifetime.
