Incat Crowther Bags Deal to Design Hybrid-electric Ferry for New Zealand
Incat Crowther inked a deal to design an Incat Crowther 32 hybrid-electric ferry for Fullers360 of Auckland, New Zealand. To be built by Q-West, the ferry will be the designer’s sixth from the builder and will join 10 other Incat Crowther ferries in the Fullers360 fleet.Designed specifically for the Devonport route, the vessel will provide an efficient, low emission, quiet service between Auckland and Devonport. Flexibility is provided by an enhanced capability to operate on other routes on the network.
New Zealand’s Q-West to Build High-speed Ferry
As with most island nations, New Zealand is heavily dependent on ferries. By this time next year, there will be a new ferry added to the Auckland-based Fullers Group fleet. Currently being constructed at Q-West Boat Builders Ltd. on the Wanganui River, the Incat Crowther-designed catamaran will join a large number of aluminum vessels launched from this versatile yard. At 34 by 9.5 meters, with a molded depth of 3.05 meters, this will be among the larger vessels delivered from this yard.
Cause of Harbour Cat Fire Determined
The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) released the Marine Occurrence Report relating to the engine room fire on the passenger ferry Harbour Cat in Auckland Harbor on 16 January 2003. While the ship was proceeding from Birkenhead to Auckland, a fire was discovered in the starboard engine space. The fire was extinguished and the ship proceeded to port on its port engine. One crewmember suffered smoke inhalation. The owner was advised to remind all crews that opening an access to investigate a fire may exacerbate the fire and appropriate caution should be exercised. In the future, such ferries should be equipped with remote fire detection and extinguishing systems. Source: HK Law
