Ultra-High Speed Cruising Ferries "Suzuran" and "Suisen"
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (IHI) delivered two 17,300 G/T cruising ferries of the world's fastest class, named "Suzuran" and "Suisen", to Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. on May 30, 1996.
Most of the large long-distance ferries built in Japan run at a service speed of about 23 knots. The faster ferries can run at a speed up to about 26 knots. These recently delivered ferries are even faster, running at 29.4 knots. This makes them the world's fastest diesel-powered mono- hull large car ferries. They are attracting attention as representing a possibility to achieve much higher speeds in marine vessels. This will be an important factor in the effort to carry out a modal shift" away from roads.
The arrangement of in-board facilities focuses on passenger comfort. The entrance lobby, centered around an elevator, is a tall vertical space continuing for three stones. The upper floors consist of video theaters, restaurants and passenger rooms. With video rooms, game centers, and play rooms for children, these vessels represent a new generation of car ferries, having the aspect of floating pleasure resorts as well.
