SMC Design recently received the 2024 Shippax Ro-Pax award for their part in the design of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s (IOMSPC) new ferry, Manxman.
Congratulations to Ship operator & owners, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s (IOMSPC), Shipyard, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Houlder naval architects and the team at SMC Design on the award win. This award recognises Manxman as the best and most innovative Ro-Pax (roll-on/roll off freight and passenger ferry) vessel in its class in the world for 2024.
SMC Design are proud to have been involved in the interior design of such an innovative project. Andy Yuill, MD of SMC Design was there to collect the award at the ceremony that took place in conjunction with the Shippax Ferry Conference, held on board BALTIC QUEEN, in Sweden, 13-15 May, 2024.
The jury knows the ins and outs of all the ships and the trends in the industry, something that makes the Shippax Award so truly unique. It may therefore be considered as the most prestigious trade award in the combined ferry, ro-ro and cruise industry.
The Shippax award jury tries to assess qualifications based on experience, personal visits, GA-plan examinations as well as collecting research material. The jury travels with the ships anonymously and the impartial result of the jury is extensively discussed amongst them prior to the ultimate decision. About the Manxman, the Shippax jury said,
“Being the first newbuilt vessel commissioned by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company after a 25 years’ break, Manxman stands out as a truly innovative Ro-Pax in the ‘medium range’ segment with crossing times of around four hours.
Thanks to a clever use of space, she successfully caters for the needs of very diverse categories of passengers – actually even giving her operation to the Isle of Man a touch of cruising.
Surprising features of Manxman include balcony cabins (else rarely found onboard ferries, all the more on relatively short crossings), the Paws Pet Lounges and the Executive Club Lounge with its outstanding mixture of sofas, armchairs, table seating and fully reclining sleeping pods. She also dedicates much space to families. Despite a relatively modest size she manages to combine entertainment, room for families and quiet spaces. Technologically, the hybrid diesel electric propulsion helps to improve efficiency and to reduce emissions.
Having contracted the Manxman in Korea, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company illustrate that even smaller Ro-Pax operators can successfully manage newbuilding projects in Asia, thereby combining British ship design excellence with the efficiency and experience of Far Eastern shipbuilding.”
Our client, IOMSPC Managing Director Brian Thomson said: “It is a huge honour that Manxman has been recognised for this prestigious award. It is a credit to everyone in the company and we are proud of designing, delivering and operating such an excellent vessel, which is the largest, most-modern and best-equipped ferry the Island has ever had.”