The latest state-of-the-art 112 metre Wave Piercing Catamaran from Australian aluminium high speed catamaran specialists, Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd., has completed trials off the south coast of Tasmania.
Sea trials for Incat’s Hull 066 were completed in an impressive two days with all systems performing perfectly and meeting best expectations. Three ship owners were onboard to partake in the trial and it is pleasing to report that all were suitably impressed, not only by the vessel’s performance, but also by the quality of workmanship to be found throughout the craft.
During the course of trials, while running at 100% MCR (maximum continuous rating), speeds of up to 44.57 knots were averaged with 250 tonnes deadweight on board. Loaded with 648 tonnes deadweight an average speed of 41.78 knots was achieved at 100% MCR.
While alongside at the Incat shipyard further trials were conducted to test the vessel’s loading capabilities. A total of 28 trucks of three types drove on and off the ship, without the need for any reversing, demonstrating turnaround efficiency and simplicity for this wide-hulled fast ferry.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford pointed out that only two trucks conformed to European length of 16.5 metres. “The other trucks used were of longer total length and had U.S.-based turning circles. This was only a minor inconvenience,” he said.
Incat 066 is the third vessel in the successful 112 metre range from Incat and is specifically designed with the European ferry market in mind. The buyer, MGC Chartering, is an Irish based leasing company that can provide a wide range of financial solutions to ferry operators including longer term bareboat charters of both new and second hand vessels.
Hull 066, Principal Particulars
Builder: Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd.
Length overall: 112.60m
Beam (moulded): 30.50m
Draft: approximately 3.93m
Deadweight: 1000 tonnes – high speed operation.
1000-1450 tonnes – reduced speed ‘cargo only’ operation.
Passengers: 1200 including crew
Vehicles: 567 metres of freight at 4.60 metres clear height plus 195 cars at 4.5 metres length,
or a total of 417 cars.
Machinery Installations
Main Engines: 4 x resiliently mounted MAN 28/33D marine diesel engines, each rated at 9000 kW.
Fuel Consumption: SFC of <190g/kWh
Emmisions: <10g/kWh
