A new ship has been launched on January 24, 2025, at 11 AM Dutch time. The event has taken place at the Bodewes Foxhol shipyard, located in The Netherlands. This launch is significant for both us and our customer.
Vessel NB810 has been assigned the name HAWAIKINUI 2. As a Ro-Ro cargo ferry, she will replace the HAWAIKINUI and take over its route between Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora islands.
HAWAIKINUI 2 is 87.38 meters long and 15.8 meters wide, with a steel hull of sleek, yet strong construction. Using a modernised Ro-Ro system, this vessel can transport various goods simultaneously, from standardised containers to heavy vehicles. It has a unique hydraulic platform that measures 10 m by 3.1 m. Its 10-tonne lifting capacity is intended to facilitate effective cargo movement between decks.
This shipbuilding project is a collaboration with Royal Bodewes. PASSER SIDC was responsible for fabricating the ship’s hull, including the superstructure, and for installing piping systems and other components. The construction and installation of lift platforms and stern ramps were also under our purview.
Approximately fifty workers were actively involved in this project during its height. From the beginning to the end, the shipbuilding cycle is about a year. Construction of HAWAIKINUI 2 began in February 2024. We plan to deliver this vessel to our customer, the French firm Polynesian Navigation Company (SNP, Société de Navigation Polynésienne), in April 2025.
Every project has its peculiarities, and this one is no exception. Each component of the ship must meet strict technical parameters since even the slightest deviation might lead to issues during the installation. High-quality assembly and precision welding are necessary for the smooth installation and assembly of complicated parts like hydraulic lifting platforms and ramps. Such tasks can only be accomplished by qualified and experienced staff members followed by quality control.
For this project, the initial intention was to manufacture portions of the ship’s hull at another factory. A change in circumstances led to the decision to produce everything at the Bodewes Foxhol shipyard. This presented some unforeseen challenges—to build the ship on schedule, the resources and building process had to be rearranged. This required a coordinated effort from the entire team to ensure successful completion.
The NB810 shipbuilding project is significant for PASSER SIDC as it is the first ship of this type to be built at the Bodewes Foxhol shipyard and is the first ship to be built for this customer.
We are ready for the next shipbuilding project that will embody our engineering abilities to conquer the world’s seas.
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