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Robert Clifford News

24 Aug 2023

Incat Tasmania to Deliver World’s Largest Battery Electric Ship

Source: Incat Tasmania

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania is setting a record for the largest, lightweight battery electric ship in the world with a new 130-meter (427-foot) ro-pax ferry under construction for South American customer, Buquebús.The aluminum ferry will be the first fully electric vessel in South America when delivered in 2025, operating between Argentina and Uruguay. It will have a capacity for 2,100 passengers and crew and 225 cars and will feature a duty free shop of over 2,000 square meters (21…

05 Oct 2022

Incat and ABB to Develop Lightweight Hybrid-electric Ferry

(Image: Incat Tasmania)

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania will work with technology company ABB to explore building an electric ferry with hybrid-electric propulsion which could transition to battery power as shore charging becomes available.Seeking a transitional route to zero-emission operations for the ferry segment, Incat and ABB will evaluate the suitability of the ‘Incat 148E’ - a 148-meter-long roll-on roll-off passenger (RoPax) catamaran for operating in hybrid mode as well as adapting to full battery operation at a later stage.Conceived by Revolution Design…

17 Jan 2022

Incat Tasmania to Build High-speed Ferry for South Korea

(Image: Incat Tasmania)

Australian high speed craft builder Incat Tasmania announced Monday it has been awarded a contract to build a new fast ferry for Daezer Construction of South Korea. Work on the new 76-meter craft has already commenced with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.The high speed ferry will operate for Daezer on the line between Pohang and Ulleung, an island 117 nautical miles off the eastern coast of South Korea where the main economic activity is tourism.Incat Tasmania…

25 Mar 2020

Shipbuilding Contract: Incat Tasmania Scores Seaworld Express Ferry Deal

Incat Tasmania and Seaworld Express Ferry announced an order for a new generation fast ferry, a 76-m high speed wave piercing catamaran ferry to accommodate up to 700 passengers and 79 cars when it enters service on the new route between Jindo and Jeju early 2022.

Incat Tasmania and Seaworld Express Ferry announced an order for a new generation fast ferry, a 76-m high speed wave piercing catamaran ferry to accommodate up to 700 passengers and 79 cars when it enters service on the new route between Jindo and Jeju early 2022.Seaworld Express Ferry was selected as operator for the route, and its chairman Hyuk Young Lee said “We were most impressed with Incat Tasmania’s modern shipyard facilities, the advanced passenger safety systems incorporated into the Incat Tasmania design…

22 Dec 2018

Shipbuilding: New 110m Catamaran Named Saint John Paul II

Virtu Ferries ship launched at Incat. Photo: Incat

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".

07 Oct 2016

Incat to Build RoPax Vessel for Virtu Ferries

3D artist impression of the 110 meter ferry (Image: Incat)

Incat has been selected by Virtu Ferries of Malta to design and build a 110 meter vehicle passenger RoPax ferry. The new wave piercing catamaran will become the 15th fast ferry Virtu has acquired, it will be the largest high speed catamaran in the Mediterranean and with a service speed up to 38 knots it will complete the crossing from Malta to Sicily, berth to berth, in around 90 minutes. “Virtu Ferries is amongst the oldest, most respected and most discerning fast ferry operators in the world…

21 Dec 2015

Wärtsilä Waterjets for Australian Ferry

The Incat Tasmania Pty shipyard in Hobart, Australia has again specified Wärtsilä waterjets and controls for a new fast ferry, the 'KatExpress 3', being built for Danish operator Mols-Linien. The yard has previously specified Wärtsilä waterjets for a number of fast ferry projects. This latest order was placed in November. The scope of supply includes four Wärtsilä LJX 1500 SRI waterjets and a Wärtsilä Lipstronic control system. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in September, 2016. "The strong relationship between Wärtsilä and the Incat yard continues, and this latest order confirms the good cooperation that the two companies enjoy. It also underlines Wärtsilä's commitment to the Australian market.

15 Oct 2015

From Fire to Emissions, Ferry Debates Heat Up

Firefighting led a stream of topical debate at trade association Interferry’s 40th annual conference in Copenhagen last week – but not before a record 342 delegates came under fire from a leading Green politician claiming that ‘shipping is currently one of the unaddressed areas of air pollution’. Michael Cramer, German chair of the European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee, delivered a stinging opening address demanding that the ferry and shipping sectors become more environmentally sustainable. He said ‘most vessels are like hazardous waste incinerators because they burn heavy fuel oil which should be processed as highly toxic waste but is usually exhaled without sufficient filtering’.

05 Oct 2015

Incat Ferry Order from Denmark

Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd, Australian shipbuilder, has secured a contract for the construction, delivery and long term charter of a large fast vehicle ferry for Danish company Mols-Linien A/S. The Ferry will be the fourth Incat vessel in the Mols Linien fleet. The Hobart shipyard will commence work on construction of the wave piercing catamaran immediately, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2017. Incat Chairman, Robert Clifford, in Copenhagen Denmark at the Interferry Conference said “A large ship order to a repeat customer is proof positive of the quality and reliability of the vessels our team build in Tasmania. This is the third Incat ship that Mols Linien have added to their fleet in a period of just four years”.

18 Sep 2014

World’s Largest Fast Crew Boat Christened at Incat

Magomayev

The 70-meter Fast Crew Boat (FCB) was christened Muslim Magomayev at a ceremony at the Incat shipyard on Monday, September 15. This is the first vessel that Australian Shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has purpose built for the oil and gas industry. When sea trials are completed the boat will depart later this month to Baku, Azerbaijan. Caspian Marine Services executives and 12 Azerbaijan crew witnessed 10 year old Hilary Clifford, granddaughter of Incat Chairman, Robert Clifford, cut the ribbon releasing the champagne.

18 Oct 2013

Interferry Urges Proactive Approach to Industry Challenges

Johan Roos, Interferry’s executive director

More than 250 top-level delegates attended trade association Interferry’s 38th annual conference in Malta to debate the major factors affecting ferry operations around the world. Under a new format mixing presentations with panel discussions and audience input, the event underlined the diversity of political, technical, operational and commercial issues challenging the industry. Among several sessions focused on safety, a former airline pilot confirmed the alarming certainty of human error…

05 Sep 2013

Interferry to Unveil Approach on Alternative Fuels

Photo: Incat

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.

20 Jun 2013

Dual-fuel Ferry Claimed to be the World's Speediest Ship

Hi-speed Ferry 'Francisco': Photo credit Incat Tasmania

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…

29 Mar 2011

World-first Incat LNG Ship To Operate In South America

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.

08 Jun 2009

Tasmania’s Manx Connection

When the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company purchased its latest Incat-built high speed ferry for service on the Irish Sea it continued a relationship established 22 years ago. In 1987, Incat’s chairman Robert Clifford was invited by naval architects Hart Fenton, acting for then Steam Packet shareholder Sea Containers, to visit the Isle of Man with a view of building a high speed craft to serve the island’s needs. Three years later, in November 1990 the first generation Incat car ferry Hoverspeed Great Britain arrived in the island for trials.

01 Feb 2008

Incat and Revolution Design Awarded Design Contract by U.S. Military

Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd and Revolution Design Pty Ltd are pleased to announce they have been awarded one of three US multi-million dollar design contracts by the US Department of Defense. Speed Vessel (JHSV). Marines, and SOCOM to pursue a multi-use platform. Robert Clifford explained. demonstration of high speed vessel technologies as well as for logistics support. Operation Iraqi Freedom. and Southeast Asia. region following hurricane Katrina. other platforms operating in the area. played a critical role in the early delivery of supplies. Timor crisis.

22 Oct 2001

Joint Venture is Commissioned into U.S. Military Service

The commissioning of the Incat-built 96 metre (315ft) Wave Piercing Sealift Catamaran contracted to the United States military for a deployment of two years, has taken place at Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy have joined a consortium led by the U.S. Army to operate Joint Venture HSV-X1 (High Speed Vessel – Experimental One). The craft will serve to enhance mission capability in a broad range of scenarios and this is expected to lead to the acquisition of more tonnage in the future. According to Incat Chairman Robert Clifford, Joint Venture will play a significant role with each of the five Military arms involved in the project.

08 May 2002

Has the Fast Cat Come to A Halt?

Long hailed for its innovative "fast cat" vessels that were developed by Robert Clifford and Phil Hercus in the 1980's Incat Australia delivered not a new cat last month, but news of an impending bankruptcy. Could this be the end of the fast cats that have dominated the aluminum shipbuilding world for the past 20 years? During the first week of March the Hobart shipyard admitted that it was suffering from financial difficulties, and responded by laying off several hundred employees. In fact, according to Australian news sources, the yard has 1,000 less employees than it did one year ago — despite having won an $80 million contract from the U.S. Military for a 101-m high speed support vessel — transporting American troops throughout the Japanese Islands for the next three years.

12 Feb 2003

Q&A: INCAT — A Delicate Balance for the Future

Rising out of the ashes of receivership, Hobart, Australia-based INCAT is back with a vengeance. After a setback this past year, the company, according to CEO Robert Clifford, is "well structured for the future." And the company is on its way to a speedy recovery with 2003 as it has just received two orders for the U.S. military and at press time, announced plans to have its debts repaid to the bank by the end of January 2003. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive (TACOM) leased its premiere Theater Support vessel for the Army from Bollinger/INCAT USA, the Australian shipbuilder's joint aluminum shipbuilding venture in Louisiana. MR/EN: It's no secret that INCAT was in receivership last year — but is now emerging out of financial difficulty.

19 Nov 2002

U.S. Army Accepts Spearhead

USAV TSV-1X Spearhead has been completed at the Incat shipyard in Hobart to meet US Army requirements and delivered to owner Bollinger/Incat USA for charter to the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Speaking to the official party and distinguished guests at the acceptance ceremony, Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said “The United States Army is to be soundly congratulated for having the foresight and vision to recognise the capability of our craft and the contribution they can make towards Transformation. They are to be congratulated also for taking that vision to the next step – not just studying it and talking about it, but actually moving forward and doing it”.

13 Aug 2003

HSV 2 Swift Delivered to U.S. Navy

The new Catamaran HSV 2 Swift was delivered to the U.S. Navy yesterday during a celebration in Hobart, Australia. High ranking US Military officers joined with invited guests to witness the handover of the 98 metre Wave Piercing Catamaran HSV 2 Swift, Incat Hull 061. Guests were welcomed on board HSV 2 Swift by His Excellency The Honourable Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE, CVO, Governor of Tasmania. With the Royal Australian Air Force band playing, flags flying and the usual pomp and ceremony associated with such events, the 80 or so US officers and crew were joined by representatives of the Australian Defence Force, invited guests and the entire Incat workforce.

15 Oct 2007

Leadership Award for Incat's Clifford

Making the Tasmanian Award for Export Leadership at the 2007 Tasmanian Export Awards at the Launceston Country Club, Tasmania’s Deputy Premier Steve Kons said Clifford was recognized not only for this significant contribution to industry, but also to the economy, the Tasmanian brand, and to Tasmania’s reputation around the world. “As founder of catamaran builder Incat, Robert has been an important part of our export industry for more than 40 years and Tasmania has benefited greatly from his passion and commitment. “His world-class catamarans are being developed and produced here in Tasmania and are recognized the world over. In the past 13 months Incat has delivered two of its largest vessels to date to opposite sides of the world.

25 Oct 2007

New Waterjets Excel in Trials

In mid 2006 Wärtsilä Corporation introduced the new LJX axial water jets for the propulsion of fast vessels with promises of a 25% reduction in transom mounting flange diameter, a 10% overall reduction in weight and a 35% improvement in cavitation margin. These benchmarks were reportedly met when the first LJX waterjet units were put through full-scale trials in July 2007. These were LJX 1500 size units of 9000 kW capacity. LJX water jets in the size range from 1800 to 22,000 kW have been ordered. The Australian engineering consultancy firm Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd (SKM) was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive test programme to map various jet performance parameters throughout the trials.