Oliver Design, the Spanish company which specialises in naval design and architecture, recently signed a major contract in the passenger ship sector. “Under the agreement, the firm will develop the architectural design for a large LNG-powered ferry to be built for Balearia at the La Naval shipyard,” the company said in a statement.

The order culminates an outstanding year for the Spanish firm, during which it has completed eight designs on ships of various uses and tonnages, with another 12 designs currently underway and excellent prospects for 2017.

The new 232-metre ferry of Balearia will be able to carry 1,600 passengers and will be one of the largest in its class in the world. It will also be one of the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). As well as working on the architectural design, the Spanish firm will design the interiors, and has been awarded a turnkey contract for fitting out all public spaces and external passenger areas.

The as-yet unnamed 8,400 dwt ferry will have 336 cabins, 609 seats and capacity for 350 vehicles. There will also be a children's play area, two theatres, swimming pools, hot tubs, a gym, a cinema and a shopping area. The ship will cost around €175 million, with an option on construction of a twin vessel at the same yard.

Over the last year, Oliver Design also completed partial renovation and a variety of repair works for the French company Brittany Ferries. The work was carried out at the Astander shipyard in Cantabria between October 2015 and May 2016.

Earlier in the year, Oliver Design completed fitting-out and interior design for the innovating Texelstroom ferry, built at La Naval for Dutch shipowner TESO. With this new project, it has consolidated its position as a key provider for the ferry sector.