Incat Delivers Latest 98m, Milenium Tres, Sixth High Speed Vessel to see service with Acciona Trasmediterranea

Incat’s unrivalled experience in building large high-capacity high speed ferries has been further strengthened by the delivery of a new 98 metre Wave Piercing Catamaran to one of Spain’s largest shipping companies, Acciona Trasmediterránea.

Milenium Tres is the sixth Incat high speed catamaran to join an Acciona Trasmediterránea fleet which already includes the 96 metre Milenium and the 98 metre Milenium Dos, both of which have been operating successfully on the Spanish mainland-Balearic Islands links since 2000 and 2003 respectively, and also the 96 metre Alborán on the Gibraltar Strait’s busy Algeciras — Ceuta crossing. In addition, this summer saw Incat’s K-class catamaran Incat K3 in operation on the new route from Alicante to Palma and Ibiza.

Under the command of Captain Carlos Duclos the new vessel left Hobart on 25 September at the start of her 12,000 nautical miles delivery voyage to Spain. She is expected to arrive at Melilla during the second week of October before entering service from there to Almeria and Malaga.

Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said Acciona Trasmediterránea’s return for another high speed craft is confirmation of Incat’s determination to build on a history of selling multiple numbers of vessels to a growing list of customers.

“The contract is an endorsement of the excellent business relationship between our two companies, both through the past deliveries of Wave Piercing Catamarans and also the superior performance they have displayed against other high speed craft in the region,” Mr Clifford said.

With capacity for up to 900 persons and 267 cars and a maximum speed at trials of approximately 48 knots, Milenium Tres is the twelfth vessel in Incat’s highly successful 96/98 metre range and brings to sixteen the number of Incat vessels operating in Southern European waters.

Accommodation

Like her Incat sister ships in the Acciona Trasmediterránea fleet, the passenger spaces on Milenium Tres are located on one deck, with three distinctive lounge areas along its length, each featuring its own style of seating, colour scheme and facilities. The interiors are however far from identical; Milenium Tres boasting many improvements ensuring passengers benefit from the very latest contemporary designs.

A new feature introduced on board Milenium Tres is the fully enclosed port and starboard side aft staircases leading car passengers from the vehicle deck direct to the vessel’s aft cabin. On previous 98 metre vessels these staircases have been external to the accommodation, this design modification being typical of enhancements aimed at further improving the travelling experience for passengers. The staircases each boast impressive views over the stern through tinted windows and are tastefully finished with Ayrlite Craquelle (off white) composite panels and Amtico floor coverings.

The aft cabin is predominately a spacious Business Class lounge containing a mix of comfortable Beurteaux Ocean Tub seats positioned around tables, and Beurteaux Ocean Club reclining seats. Blues, yellows, reds and greys are the predominant seating colours, all of which are finished in wool fabric upholstery with leather trim. The lounge has its own dedicated bar, with stylish glass topped counters, which provides facilities to serve a wide variety of food and beverages. Large windows face onto the aft observation deck from where passengers have a spectacular view of the water jets in operation.

Immediately forward of the Business Class Lounge and located on the port and starboard side of the main aft amenity block, which contains male and females toilets, are further lounge areas each containing 41 recliner seats.

A pivotal element in the light and pleasing colour scheme of the vessel is the Axminster carpet, made by Brintons Carpets. The dark blue carpet features splashes of red, light blues and aqua in alternating sail motifs and this lively design is used in all seating areas throughout the vessel with the exception of the Business Class lounge where the colour is a more subdued grey.

Complementing the carpets and continuing the theme of brightness, the interiors throughout Milenium Tres are finished with lightweight yet stylish Ayrlite laminated composite panels. These panels assist in the all important reduction of vessel weight which in turn helps towards increasing speed, reducing fuel consumption, increasing range and payload, and lowering the vessel’s centre of gravity. Typically some 10 to 20 tonnes of weight can be saved in a 98 metre vessel through the use of these panels compared to conventional materials.

The Midships Lounge is the hub for many onboard activities and is also where foot passengers join the vessel by way of shell doors port and starboard. The central square, containing 48 Ocean Tub seats set in clusters around tables, is surrounded by a gift shop and a cafeteria while outboard of the Amtico mahogany, light cherry and wild cherry hard flooring passageways leading forward and aft, are two lounges each containing 168 Ocean Tourist High Back reclining seats.

In the cafeteria, the servery counter is finished with a curved decorative front while work areas are stainless steel laminate onto a lightweight Ayrlite honeycomb core. Behind the servery the food preparation area is fitted with stainless steel worktops and shelving, two refrigerators, one freezer and two microwave ovens.

The Shop, opening onto the Midships Lounge, with large expanses of glass, is arranged to provide a range of souvenirs, newspapers, books and magazines, Passengers entering the shop cannot fail to be impressed by a large ‘sails and compass’ motif inlaid into the Amtico floor covering, its finish adding to the elegance of this central lounge.

Undoubtedly one of the most striking features of the central square is the perforated maritime blue Dampa Deckhead panelling. Also seen in the central area of the Business Class lounge the effect in the Midships Lounge is made more impressive through the additional use of silver mirror tiles across the square. Outboard of these central areas Luxalon polar white panelling is used.

Throughout the vessel colour LCD flat screens enables seated passengers to view safety messages, DVD/video programs, and input from the electronic chart system.

Just forward of the shop area in the forward cabin is an amenities block which not only contains male and female passenger toilets plus a unisex disability toilet/baby changing area, but also the crew room and entry to the next deck housing the split level electronics room and wheelhouse.

The fully equipped crew mess has seating for six crew members on comfortable bench couches positioned around two tables. In addition to a work station and crew lockers an LCD television, small refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave oven are also provided.

The wheelhouse onboard Milenium Tres provides 360-degree visibility for the officers over the top of the aerodynamic superstructure, while an aft-facing docking console and CCTV monitors negate the need for bridge wings with their associated windage and weight. Consistent with all Incat vessels, the control station is fitted with the latest in electronic, navigation and communication equipment to comply with the High Speed Craft Code. There are three forward facing adjustable seats around the centre line, the Captain sitting in the centre, with the Navigator to starboard and the Chief Engineer to port.

The Forward Lounge on Milenium Tres provides a panoramic 300º view of the horizon via sweeping tinted windows which are equipped with a washing system ensuring the windows remain clean during a voyage and valuable operator/crew time can be spent on ships maintenance rather than cleaning windows.

The area features a fully equipped bar with facilities to serve a wide variety of food and beverages. Outboard of the passenger walkways are two comfortable lounges where passengers may relax in Ocean Tourist High Back reclining seats, surrounded by panoramic windows again affording excellent sea views. Raised lounge areas immediately forward enable passengers to relax in Ocean Tub seating, arranged around tables, while taking in the vast and spectacular views over the ships bows.

Access to the vehicle decks from the forward lounges is by way of a wheelchair-friendly ramp. Passengers with disabilities can park adjacent to the vehicle deck access door, away from the general movement of cars on the main vehicle deck, and move in safety to the passenger cabin.

The vehicle deck on board Milenium Tres offers freight space for 380 truck lane metres at 3.1m wide x 4.35m clear height. The fitting of nine hoistable mezzanine vehicle decks gives the operator the flexibility to carry up to 267 cars, or 12 freight trailers with 180 cars, or 24 road freight trailers with 85 cars while offering the headroom demanded by freight vehicles when raised. Suitable for heavy road transport vehicles the main vehicle deck also benefits from unrestricted height for 6 metres and an unobstructed width of 18 metres at the stern. Clear lane markings are painted on the deck to ensure fast vehicle loading and unloading via two articulated stern loading ramps.

Technical

Engines from MAN B&W’s new RK280 range, considered the most powerful and fuel efficient 1000 rpm diesel engine in the world, have been selected for Milenium Tres. Four 16RK280 engines, each rated at a minimum 7200 kW @ 1000 rpm MCR, offer a high power to weight ratio. The latest combustion chamber technology with electronically controlled pump pipe injection system and optimised cylinder pressures, reduces fuel consumption to a most competitive level offering a low operating cost with a Specific Fuel Consumption of less than 190g/kWh.

The engines each drive transom-mounted steerable Wärtsilä-Lips 120E water jets via 4 x ZF 53000 NRH gearboxes. All four waterjets are configured for steering and reversing, while an independent hydraulic system in each hull covers the steering and reverse functions. Manoeuvring and directional control is enhanced through the use of Retractable Trim Tabs that maximise moment force from water jet side/reverse thrust and optimisation of force/moment positioning.

Four Caterpillar 3406B 230 kW generators are fitted, each being rated with a 10% for one hour overload capacity. The generators are arranged for automatic startup and paralleling, the automation considering one unit maintained as a standby set.

Further improving the 98 metre Wave Piercing Catamaran’s already excellent sea keeping qualities is the Maritime Dynamics/Incat Ride Control System, consisting of transom mounted trim tabs and a retractable T-foil. These, combined with Incat’s unique hull form featuring long outer bows, fuller midship sections, stern skeglets and centre bow clearances, means Motion Sickness Incidence has been reduced by up to 40% in higher sea states by reducing pitch, roll and heave, the major contributors to passenger discomfort.

As always, safety is paramount and Milenium Tres is equipped with four Liferaft Systems Australia Marine Evacuation Stations, two port and two starboard. Each MES serves a total of 200 persons. A total of ten 100-person rafts are fitted. Two SOLAS inflatable rescue boats, each with 30 hp motors, are provided for launch and recovery operations.

Hobart-based company Colbeck & Gunton supply the lightweight structural fire protection system aboard Milenium Tres including fire doors and dampers. To protect all moderate and high risk spaces The ‘Rapid Access’ (deckhead) and ‘Lightweight’ (bulkhead) fire protection system meets all the demands for lighter weight and faster installation/removal for this type of craft. An addressable fire detection system, CCTV cameras, zoned fire sprinkler systems and hydrants protect engine rooms, vehicle decks and passenger areas.

HSC Milenium Tres Principle Particulars

Dimensions

Length: 97.22 metres overall.
92.00 metres waterline.
Beam: 26.60 metres extreme
Beam of hulls: 4.50 metres.
Draught: 3.43 metres loaded

Propulsion

Main Engines Four MAN B&W 16RK280 marine diesel engines, each rated at a minimum 7200 kW @ 1000 rpm MCR at 32/45 Celsius.
Water Jets Four x Lips 120E waterjets configured for steering and reverse.
Transmission Four x ZF 53000 NRH gearboxes.
Alternators Four x Caterpillar 3406B, 230 kW.
Speed – max: 48 knots @ 100% mcr.
Ride Control A ‘Maritime Dynamics’ active ride control system combining, active trim tabs aft and retractable T-foil located at aft end of centre bow fitted with active fins.

Capacities

Deadweight: 725 tonnes approx
Persons: Up to 900.
Vehicle deck: 267 cars or 380 truck lane metres plus 85 cars, or a combination of both.
Axle Loads: Transom to Frame 49 – maximum 12 tonnes per dual tyre /single axle group or axle group loads.
Forward of Frame 49 Ramp 2.0 tonnes per single tyre/single axle group.
Ramps B, C and Mezzanine Decks – 0.8 tonnes per axle.
Tankage Fuel Oil 190,000 litres (plus 420,400 litres in long range tanks capable of utilisation for Delivery voyages)
Fresh Water 5,000 litres
Sewage 5,000 litres
Lube Oil 2 x 470 litres

Certification

Classification: DNV 1A1 HSLC R1 Car Ferry “B” EO Certificate.
DNV Speed / Wave Height Parameters 50 knots: 0.0 — 2.0 SWH
45 knots: 2.0 — 2.5 SWH
40 knots: 2.5 — 3.0 SWH
35 knots: 3.5 — 4.0 SWH
32 knots: 4.0 — 4.5 SWH
30 knots: 4.5 — 5.0 SWH
Seek Shelter: 5.0 + SWH

Navigational Equipment

GPS 2 x Leica MX420/8 Differential GPS
Radars Captain – Kelvin Hughes MANTA 1700 Radar X Band at 48rpm, with 15″ True motion performance monitor including auto track and geographics
Navigator Kelvin Hughes MANTA 1700 Radar S Band with 15″ Arpa performance monitor inc. auto track and geographics
Radar interswitching
Autopilot Lips integrated with the control system
Gyro Compass Anschutz STD 22 + repeater
Magnetic Compass C Plath type 2060
Hand Held Compass Suunto Commander
Electronic Chart System Kelvin Hughes Ecdis MANTA 1700 2027
Depth Sounder Skipper GDS-101 plus IR301 Repeater
Speed / Distance Log Walker 7070 electromagnetic with interface to radars, GPS and autopilot
Wind Speed/Direction Walker 7070
Weather Fax JMC FX220
Telex NDBP JMC NT900
Signal Horn Ibuki (air operated)
Daylight Signal Lamp Aldis Lamp 24 Volt 60 WattDC Francis FSP 127mm
Search Light DHR DEN HAAN 22ORC 220 (220v 300W) mounted on fwd mast with remote control – Den Hann
Machinery Monitoring Servowatch SIMS Shipboard Integrated Management Systems
VDR Kelvin Hughes
AIS Saab R4
SSAS Purple Finder / Pole Star
Night vision NVTi camera and associated system.
MF/HF/DSC TX/RX Radio Sailor HT4520 }
MF/HF Controller Sailor HC4500B }
MF/HF ATU Sailor HC4525 }
VHF / DSC Radios 2 x Sailor RT4822 } To comply with GMDSS
Hand Held Radios inc. chargers 3 x Sailor SP3110 } Sea Area 1, 2 & 3
EPIRB (406 Mhz) Sailor 406MHz }
SART 2 x Sailor 56-853 9GHz }
Satcom C Transceiver Sailor H2095C }
Display Sailor DT4646E }
Aeronautical VHF AM Emergency Transceiver}
Jotron TronAIR }
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