Norbay / Norbank

In 1994, P&O North Sea Ferries replaces two ro-ro night ferries on the route Rotterdam-Hull. The Owner requires a stringent timetable with a late night departure and an arrival before the morning rush hour. Truck drivers arrive rested, can deliver and collect freight and return to the ship on the same day. Two new vessels are expected to boost the transport volume.

The yard designs and builds two "super freighters": Norbank and Norbay. At 22 knots the ships are considerably faster than their predecessors, while offering an additional 2 kilometres of freight lanes for trailers together with accommodation for 114 drivers.

Extensive computer flow analysis and tank tests with Marin provided the basis for the hydrodynamic design and specific hull form of Norbank and Norbay. The design was optimised having regard to minimum powering and best sea keeping performance. Two identical ships were built, one under English and one under Dutch flag.

IHC Merwede Offshore & Marine
Rivierdijk 586, 3371 ED Hardinxveld-Giessendam
P.O. Box 5, 3370 AA Hardinxveld-Giessendam
The Netherlands

T +31 184 677 300
F +31 184 677 301
shipyard.mws@spam-preventionihcmerwede.com