Malawi: New ferry launched on Lake Malawi!

The famous steel-riveted MV Ilala, which was in service on Lake Malawi since 1951, has been replaced by a brandnew ferry. The new vessel, named MV Chilembe, is 32 metres long and 7 metres wide, with two fixed-pitch propellers and two Caterpillar C32 TTA (WOSR) engines rating 2460 bkW (3300 bhp) power. It will carry 120 passengers and 20 tons of cargo, including food and medicines, at a maximum speed of 28 knots. The ferry's twice weekly schedule will call at the remote villages and islands in the north of Lake Malawi, and take only two hours to reach Likoma Island, a journey which previously took over seven hours. The MV Chilembe is operated by privately owned Malawi Shipping Company.