Lithuanian crew in China

Construction of the first of two DFDS ferries for the Baltic Sea in China is nearing completion: installation and testing of a ro-pax vessel capable of carrying both passengers and cargo is expected to be completed in the second half of the summer. The Lithuanian crew has already left for China, who will get acquainted with the mechanisms of the new ship and take part in sea trials.

"We are going to help and get acquainted with our first new ferry," says Captain Mindaugas Nosavičius, who on March 17. together with the chief mechanic Arvydas Maksimavičius and the second mechanic Mantas Jokšas went to China. One of the goals of the future crew members' trip is to take part in sea trials, as well as to get acquainted with the ship's machinery, equipment and state-of-the-art technology.

According to DFDS representatives, the ship's interior installation works are almost complete: carpeting, lighting system, standard and deluxe cabins are installed, as well as a ship shop, which will reach 120 square meters and will be the largest of the other DFDS ships sailing in the Baltics. at sea. The ship will also be equipped with animal cabins and cabins adapted for people with allergies.

Captain M. Nosavičius, who will soon enter the new ship, hopes to gain even more experience during the test period: “The new ferry is a ro-pax type ship, which is subject to more different regulations than ro-ro ships. We want to take part in the marine trials, which, if all goes well, should take place in mid-April. " According to M. Nosavičius, the ship testing program is usually very extensive and can take place continuously for two or more days.

No less a challenge for crew members is the trip to China itself. They will have to perform as many as eight Covid-19 tests, and the insulation will last as long as 21 days upon arrival at the site. "I have already thought about those three weeks of isolation - I picked up movies, e-books, put in oil paint. I like to draw - it relaxes, ”says M. Nosavičius. The first team of sailors in China will last until the second half of May, later they will be replaced by Captain Vytautas Valteras, chief. mechanic Pavel Chandogin and second mechanic David Viršila. The crews of the new ship should be formed on the basis of these teams.

"The new ship is one of two ro-pax ferries for the Baltic Sea. We hope it will reach our shores in 2021. in late summer or first half of autumn. This is DFDS's largest investment in the renewal of the Baltic Sea passenger fleet in the last 40 years. The new ferries will meet the highest shipping standards, with a special focus on passenger and driver comfort and safety. Unlike current ferries, the new ones will have a separate area for truck drivers. There will be a separate buffet restaurant, bar, and a separate lounge, ”says Vaidas Klumbys, DFDS Communications Manager for the Baltic States, keeping the name of the new ship a secret for the time being.