Two train ferries were built for the State Shipping Corporation (Navigation Maritime Bulgare, (NMB) on Norwegian yards.
Built under yard No 433 by A/S Frederikstad Mek. Verksted of Fredrikstad, Norway.
February 1978 launched under the name GEROITE NA ODESSA, one sister the GEROITE NA SEVASTOPOL.
Tonnage 9.603 grt., 3.870 net, 12.900 dwt, dim. 185.5 x 26.7 x 15.2m., draught 7.4m., length bpp. 170m.
Powered by two 10-cyl B&W diesels, 17.600 bhp., twin 4-bladed Liaanen reversible controllable pitch propeller, speed 19.5 knots. One bow thruster.
The machinery space is fully automated with control from either a soundproof control room or from the wheelhouse.
The vessels were special designed to transport rail wagons, car trailers, containers and general cargo.
Two decks run the length of the ship enabling railcars or cargo to be carried in the upper deck, tween deck or lower deck.
A two-storey hydraulic elevator is fitted in line with the central rail track; she has a lifting capacity of 2 wagons.
She can carry 108 rail wagons each with a weight of 84 tons, or similar capacity of cars, trailers, containers and general cargo, loading and unloading on the ro-ro principle, for loading and unloading she has a stern door and shore ramp, the ramp has five tracks.
Crew 45 and 6 double cabins for 12 passengers.
June 1978 completed. Homeport Varna.
She is used in the service between Varna and Odessa; two other sisterships were built on a Bulgarian yard for Russian account and used in the same service.
(name GEROITE NA ODESA in the Stanley Gibbons Collect Ships on Stamps is wrong)
She is on Bulgaria 1984 32s sg 3138.
2008 http://www.equasis.org gives, same owner, in service IMO No. 7529964.
Source: Marine News.