Incat Crowther to Design 24m Catamaran Ferry
Incat Crowther announced a contract to design a 24m Catamaran Ferry for Real Journeys, for operation in the wilderness areas of New Zealand’s South Island. The vessel will be the fourth Incat Crowther vessel for the operator, following the success of Fiordland Flyer, Patea Explorer and Luminosa. It will be built by Q-west Boatbuilders in Wanganui, New Zealand.
The vessel is designed with three main objectives. The first objective is to allow passengers to have a greater experience of the outside environment. Incat Crowther has implemented design features such as low window sills, large forward windows and a polycarbonate roof on the upper exterior deck. All windows are double glazed to minimize fogging, whilst the main deck windows also feature gutters above to keep them clear of rainwater.
The second objective is to create a vessel that has minimal impact on the environment in which it is operating. Significant steps were taken to reduce the wash generated by the vessel, as well as the fuel used in operation.
All waste is stored on board and discharged shore-side.
The third objective is to have the vessel be as reliable as possible and minimize maintenance. Due to the
remote location of the operation, breakdowns can be disastrous. The main engines and other equipment were selected on the basis of their track record availability of parts and are operated well below 100% MCR.
The vessel’s systems have been simplified and the structure has been over-designed to reduce fatigue.
The vessel will be fitted with a pair of MTU 12V 2000 main engines, each producing 1055hp. The vessel will have a service speed of 25 knots, and a top speed of 30 knots. The main engines are removable via soft patches in both the main and upper decks.
Incat Crowther is proud of its partnership with Real Journeys. Incat Crowther will continue to offer this service, and hopes for the association to continue well into the future.