Construction of three catamaran ferries designed in Australia
Two 32m catamaran ferries were designed to support construction of a LNG plant in Queensland
Two 32-metre ferries and one 24-metre ferry will be operated by Riverside Marine to transport workers between Gladstone, Queensland and the new LNG plant on Curtis Island in southwestern Pacific. By focusing on passenger accommodation, seakeeping, efficiency and range, Riverside Marine and Incat Crowther have developed a 3-vessel fleet which offers maximum capacity combined with maximum flexibility.
Construction of the first of a pair of 32 metre ferries is well advanced at Brisbane Ship Constructions. These vessels will be configured to carry 399 passengers for the Curtis Island operation. The layout of the boat has been developed to allow it to be converted to a more spacious cabin layout in its second life, making it suitable for longer duration transfers and tours. The vessels will be powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 main engines, each rated at 970kW at 2100 rpm having a service speed of 25 knots @85% MCR.
Meanwhile, construction is underway at Marine Engineering Consultants on a 24m vessel, similar to the "Fantasea Sunrise", delivered earlier this year. By utilizing this vessel in conjunction with the large vessel, Riverside Marine can minimize operating costs when passenger numbers fluctuate. This vessel will have seats for 180 passengers in the main deck cabin and 46 passengers in the upper deck cabin, with an additional 20 outdoor passenger seats on the upper deck. The 24m vessel will be powered by a pair of Yanmar 6AYM-WET main engines each producing 610kW @ 1900rpm, giving the vessel a service speed of 25 knots @85% MCR.
The three vessels are due to be delivered throughout 2012.
