Incat LNG Fast Ferry Begins Trials

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.

The vessel with capacity for 1,000 persons and 150 cars incorporates a luxurious fit out including a 1,100-square-meter duty free shop. Lopez Mena has been constructed for Incat customer Buquebus for operation on the River Plate between Argentina and Uruguay. Incat said she will be the world's first dual fuel fast Ro-Ro ferry to use LNG as the primary fuel.

www.incat.com.au