Double-Ended Cat Launched in Brazil
Rodriquez Cantieri Navali do Brasil SpA, the Brazilian yard of the Rodriquez Group, on June 13 launched the first of seven double ended catamarans under construction for Barcas SA in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. This catamaran will operate on the Rio de Janeiro – Niteroi route. The vessel is completely made in aluminum and has a maximum capacity of 1,200 passengers, with 900 seated and 300 standing. The catamaran is equipped with twin pod type propulsors with two variable pitch propellers with 360° rotation to maximize maneuverability and at the same time reach a speed of 18 knots, suitable for the three mile route. The catamaran is scheduled for delivery in July.
Rodriquez and RINA Develop Green High-Speed Ferry
Italian shipyard group Rodriquez Cantieri Navali and Genoa-based classification society RINA have jointly developed an innovative and environmentally friendly high-speed ferry. A full scale prototype of the Aliswath, presently under construction, will undertake sea trials in 2007. The Aliswath hybrid design combines the small wetted area of the SWATH concept with a hydrofoil system. The prototype is designed to carry 450 passengers and 60 cars at speeds up to 28 knots, while reducing fuel consumption by 40 per cent compared with existing designs and also reducing wash, emissions and risk of oil pollution. The key to the trimaran-like design is an immersed torpedo-shaped hull with secondary dynamic lift from a sophisticated wing foil system.
