Buquebus News

SSI said it will supply its ShipConstructor design and modelling solution to Tasmania’s Incat shipyard to support structural modelling for two hull modules of Hull 096, a 130-meter battery-electric Ro-Pax catamaran under construction for Buquebus of Uruguay.Incat and its partner Revolution Design chose SSI’s ShipConstructor system, the SSI design and engineering solution, to deliver specific benefits for this complex project, including centralized data management, automation and standardization of design outputs…

Wärtsilä said it will supply the engines, waterjets and fuel storage and supply system for a new high speed catamaran ferry. The vessel is being built at the Incat yard in Tasmania, Australia on behalf of Argentinian ferry operator, Buquebus. Having an overall length of 130 meters, a width of 32 meters and the capacity to carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars, it will be the largest aluminum catamaran ever built by Incat. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in July 2022.The vessel…

Incat Tasmania launched a 111-meter ferry -- Volcan de Tagoro (Incat Hull 091) -- from the shipyard at Hobart’s Prince of Wales Bay on June 15.Naviera Armas SA will operate the vessel on Spanish routes, including the Canary Islands. The company has an extensive fleet of vessels, and Volcan de Tagoro will be the fifth Incat vessel operating in the Armas fleet, however is their first newbuild from Incat Tasmania. The ship’s crew will soon arrive from Spain to observe the vessel…

Australian shipbuilder Incat said it has secured a contract to build the world’s largest aluminium ship.Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd will build the 130 meter long ship for long standing customer, Buquebus to operate between Argentina and Uruguay.The completed vessel will be the largest aluminium ferry ever built and the ninth vessel for Incat’s valued South American customer.The 130-meter ferry will join the other Incat ships already serving various ports on the River Plate (Rio Plato) between Argentina and Uruguay.At a probable 13…

Shipbuilder Incat has launched the 110m vehicle / passenger ferry from the shipyard at Derwent Park in Hobart Tasmania. The ship will commence sea trials in mid January prior to delivery to her new owner Virtu Ferries for service between Malta and Sicily.Bearing the livery Saint John Paul II the vessel has been named in honor of the Pope who served from 1978 to 2005, so revered the Pope has often posthumously, but unofficially, been referred to by Catholics as "St. John Paul the Great".

Parker Bestobell Marine, part of Parker Hannifin, has won a contract to supply cryogenic globe and check valves for two Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (Calmac) being built at Ferguson Marine Engineering in Glasgow. The valves will be installed in the liquid natural gas (LNG) fuel gas systems of these vessels, which are the first U.K. built ships that will run on this environmentally friendly fuel. The new ferries will be ‘dual-fuel’ vessels so they can operate on both LNG and marine diesel.

GE Marine announced it will provide Buquebus, Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a customized service agreement for the two GE LM2500 gas turbines aboard the Francisco fast ferry. The 10-year agreement provides for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for the dual fuel gas turbines that power the world’s fastest commercial ship. “We worked closely with Buquebus to fashion a gas turbine maintenance agreement that would meet their specific needs and ensure reliable operation of this very popular fast ferry,” said Brien Bolsinger, Vice President, Marine Operations, GE Marine, Evendale, Ohio.

Gavin Higgins has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ice Floe LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), the company announced today. Effective immediately, Higgins replaces Matt Nichols, one of the company’s founders who has served as CEO of NBBB since February 2012, also serving as CEO for more than 35 years prior to the company’s sale in 2008. Nichols will remain with the company as its Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and as a member of the board of directors.

Today at the SMM 2014 exhibition, GE announced it will showcase a variety of cutting-edge projects and solutions to meet demands of the global commercial and naval marine industry. According to Afra Gerstenfeld, General Manager of Transportation’s Marine group, “The products and services GE provides can help customers operate ships more efficiently, reduce emissions and meet stringent global environmental regulations. •    Dongwon Industries-- one of the world's largest tuna fishery companies -- will use two 16V250 GE Marine diesel engines to power two 80-meter-long tuna purse seiners. The first ship is scheduled for commissioning in late 2015. This is the second GE diesels order from Dongwon. Local support is provided by GE’s regional distributor, YusinHR.

Kelvin Hughes, a designer and supplier of navigation and surveillance systems, announced that its SharpEye radar is now in continuous use on the world’s fastest ferry, operating between Argentina and Uruguay. Launched in Oct 2013 by the President of Argentina, Christina Fernandez de Kirchner, and operated by Buquebus of Uruguay, the ferry, named Francisco after the Argentinian-born Pope Francis, carries up to 1024 passengers and crew together with 150 cars on a daily basis between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

A ferry operator’s experience of ‘the fastest ship in the world’ will feature among the cutting-edge initiatives being aired at Interferry’s 38th annual conference in Malta from October 5-9. The trade association event gives South American operator Buquebus a first opportunity to showcase the commercial and technical benefits of its revolutionary newbuild Francisco. Delivered in August from Australian builder Incat Tasmania, the catamaran is the world’s first high speed dual fuel ro-ro to use LNG as its primary fuel. Incat made the “fastest ship” claim after sea trials in June.

Wärtsilä's axial waterjets power the Francisco, claimed to be the world's fastest high-speed ferry and the first fast ferry to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. The vessel has successfully passed its sea trials and is now ready to commence commercial operations. Wärtsilä has provided the waterjets for what is claimed to be the world's fastest high speed ferry. In addition to two of its LJX1720SR axial waterjets, Wärtsilä has also supplied an advanced propulsion control system for the Francisco.

Alternative to Diesel Strengthens as Barriers Continue to Fall. From the earliest days of mechanically propelled ships, fuel use has been evolving. Starting with wood, fuel changed to coal, which held sway for many years. Oil began to be used in the late nineteenth century and was clearly the dominate marine fuel of the twentieth century. Environmental shortcomings of fuel oil, particularly traditional heavy bunkers, were brought under increasing scrutiny as the twentieth century came to a close.

Incat Tasmania’s dual-fuel vehicle & passenger ferry 'Francisco' has attained 58.1 knots operating on LNG fuel only. Francisco has been constructed for South American company Buquebus, for service on the River Plate, between Buenos Aires Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay. With water ballast removed, and with both Port and Starboard Gas Turbines operating on LNG; Francisco achieved 58.1 knots at 100% Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR), which the Australian builders take to be a world record…

Incat's dual fuel fast ferry has commenced sea trials in Hobart Tasmania. The 99-meter vessel's twin LNG tanks were loaded with LNG for the first time last week. Testing of the gas system went underway with the GE LM2500 gas turbine engines being run on gas for the first time on May 27 at the wharf and at sea on May 30. The gas trials are scheduled to continue. Lopez Mena (Incat hull 069) was sea trialed with ballast for a 1,460-ton displacement trial comfortably exceeding 50 knots at full power and maintaining a steady 49 knots at 90% power while operating on marine distillate.

MTN Expands Ferry Business by Securing Contract with Largest South American Ferry Operator; Buquebus Chooses MTN for its Value, Innovation, and Commitment to Service Excellence. MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) announces a new contract with Buquebus, the largest ferry operator in South America. MTN will provide Buquebus with VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite communications services, as well as Internet and Wi-Fi connectivity, throughout its expanding fleet. The demand around the world is growing for passengers and crew to be able to stay connected and entertained while commuting. MTN has been the leading communications provider in the cruise, yacht, and government vessel markets.

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd launch world’s first high speed passenger Ro-Ro ship powered by LNG (Liquified Natural Gas). The vessel will be the first installation of LNG powered dual fuel engines in an Incat high speed ferry, and the first high speed craft built under the HSC code to be powered by Gas Turbines using LNG as the primary fuel and marine distillate for standby and ancillary use. The new ship has been moored alongside the Incat shipyard wharf on Prince…

Gavin Higgins has joined Nichols Brothers Boat Builders as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Gavin Higgins has been appointed the Chief Operating Officer at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Gavin’s duties will include oversight of Engineering, Production, Project Management, Purchasing and Facilities. He will be working with the current team for the successful delivery of two tugs and superstructure for the new Washington State Ferries currently under construction at the Freeland facility.

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the name of the customer for their world first high speed passenger Ro-Ro ship powered by LNG (Liquified Natural Gas). The 99 metre LNG ship was contracted by South American company Buquebus in November 2010, however for commercial reasons Buquebus requested that identity be kept under wraps. They have now announced that they will operate the vessel on their River Plate service between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo in Uruguay.

The North American high speed ferry market has been slow to develop compared with other areas such as Australia, Europe and the Far East. However, recent developments show the U.S. market is gathering momentum - not only in respect of the number of orders, but also with regard to the speed and sophistication of the ferry designs. This trend was emphasized when, in September 1997, one of the world's largest high speed ferry operators, Buquebus, placed a contract with Derecktor Shipyards in Mamaroneck, N.Y. for a high specification, 300 passenger ferry with a maximum speed of more than 50 knots. The specification for the ferry required a maximum contract speed of over 50 knots and a high level of seakeeping and passenger comfort.

Derecktor Shipyards has launched a new high-speed 149.6 ft. catamaran passenger ferry for the Argentinean Company, Buquebus. Capable of operating speeds in excess of 52 knots, when fully loaded, this new vessel becomes the fastest passenger ferry of its class in the world. Derecktor engineers work with the ferry operator, helping evaluate which vessel design best suits its application, based on passenger capacity, speed, length of route, prevailing sea conditions and operating cost. Several arrangement and propulsion options allow maximum customization of the vessel for its intended use. Designed by Nigel Gee and Associates and styled by Pininfarina, this catamaran has an interior by Julio Cesar Ortega.

Derecktor Shipyards is putting the finishing touches on a 134.5 ft. high-speed catamaran for the Woods Hole Steamship Authority at the yard's facility in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Delivery is slated for May of 2000. The other bidders for the contract included Dakota Creek Shipyards, Halter Marine and Pequot River Works. The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority, the oldest of its kind in the U.S., provides the only year-round passenger and vehicle ferry service to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Service is provided from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, and Hyannis to Nantucket. Seasonal service is also provided from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.