Catamaran Passenger Ferries Delivered in Angola

Incat Crowther announced the delivery a pair of 30m catamaran passenger ferries, Macôco and Panguila, to Instituto Marítimo e Portuário de Angola. The vessels, built by Astilleros Armon in Spain, will be operated by subsidiary TMA Express.

Macôco and Panguila are the first deliveries in an aggressive infrastructure-building project that also includes a pair of 36m ferries – also constructed by Astilleros Armon - to be delivered shortly.

Additionally, a 20m Catamaran Buoy Workboat is also being constructed by the yard Instituto Hidrográfico e de Sinalização Maritíma de Angola.

The 136-passenger ferries are IMO HSC Passenger (A) certified and Angola flagged, highlighting Incat Crowther’s expertise with international regulations and classification societies. With a multi-lingual staff over three offices, Incat Crowther was also well positioned to service a Spanish-speaking yard and Portuguese-speaking client.

With hard wearing interiors and simple, practical propulsion packages, Macôco and Panguila have been designed for efficient long-range operation and low maintenance costs, appropriate to the area of operation, Incat Crowther said. Mechanically-operated fold-down boarding ramps are fitted at the stern quarters, leading directly into the main deck cabin.

The main deck cabin features seats for all 136 passengers, as well as a bar and three bathrooms, including one that is handicap-accessible.

The hulls accommodate cabins for four crew members, as well as a galley and mess and a dedicated harbour generator. The upper deck houses the vessel’s wheelhouse, affording 360 visibility.

Macôco and Panguila are each powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 main engines, producing 970kw and driving Rientjes gears. Both vessels performed well in sea trials, reaching top speeds over 27 knots. The vessels have a service speed of 25 knots.

According to Incat Crowther, Astilleros Armon have demonstrated that a high-quality aluminum vessel can be built in Europe in a competitive global market. Both the Angola-based operator and Spain-based represent new markets for Incat Crowther.