Evolution Marine Manufacturing has produced a timely antidote to tariff-induced gloom with news of a major ferry deal that could be a trailblazing foray into the Middle East market.
Two fully-classed 19m 100pax ferries are taking shape in the Evo yard near Du Noon under the watchful gaze of composites specialist Oliver Dawson. The high-speed ferries are due to be delivered later this year. If all goes according to plan, they could be the first of many. “It’s a big step up in terms of build requirements, meeting extremely high quality standards set out by the BV class – so a lot of experience and lessons learnt,” Dawson said of the groundbreaking project.
Dawson previously built several ferries for the Lagos State Government and is eager to grow his footprint in this market segment. His latest ferries have already been equipped with twin Baudouin 6M 26.3 engines from France supplied by Peninsula Power Products.
“It has been a fantastic experience to date, albeit with some logistical challenges as most of the main equipment had to be witnessed by Class and the shipping lead-times were significant,” Dawson said.
The latest ferries are a similar design to the previous 15.6m vessels delivered to Nigeria.
Dawson believes the local boatbuilding sector is well positioned to expand into previously untapped markets, particularly in light of possible headwinds from its traditional US stronghold.