Incat Crowther Designs Ferry for Rhode Island

A second catamaran ferry under construction at Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding in Massachusetts for Rhode Island Fast Ferry will expand on the success of the 2012-delivered Ava Pearl, meeting increased passenger demand and adding a new route to RIFF’s operation.

The new ferry, scheduled to be delivered in 2019, has been designed by Incat Crowther to carry 320 passengers, more than twice the passenger capacity of Ava Pearl.

The vessel utilizes Incat Crowther’s ‘S bow’ hulls which have demonstrated improved passenger comfort in the sea conditions typically encountered in the region. Powered by a pair of MTU 12V4000 M64 engines each producing 1,398kW, the vessel will have a loaded service speed of 29 knots.

Large boarding areas port and starboard lead directly in to the main deck cabin, as well as stairs to the upper deck. The main deck cabin seats 142 passengers facing forward throughout the center, and at tables adjacent to the windows. In addition, there are four wheelchair spaces.

At the aft end of the cabin are three toilets, including one that is fully-accessible. Ahead of this is a large bar and shop. The forward end of the cabin has large doors to access the foredeck and forward boarding area.

The upper passenger deck is divided into two zones. The forward zone is enclosed around three sides and seats 61 passengers. The aft portion of the cabin features 74 open-air seats.

The roof deck has capacity for 60 passengers for external viewing in good weather, with 18 seats.

Luggage racks are fitted across the aft end of the main deck, with dedicated side gates to allow crew to safely load luggage independent of passenger movements. Additional luggage storage is provided on the foredeck.

The superstructure sits on resilient mounts to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations.

Principal Dimensions
Length Overall: 33.1m
Length Waterline: 32.5m
Beam Overall: 9.65m
Draft (hull): 1.75m
Draft (prop): 2.36m
Depth: 3.8m
Construction: Marine grade aluminum

Capacities
Fuel Oil: 8,841 liters
Fresh Water: 1,703 liters
Sullage: 1,968 liters
Passengers: 320
Crew: 4

Propulsion and Performance
Speed (Service): 27 knots
Speed (Max): 29 knots
Main Engines: 2 x MTU 12V4000 M64 EPA Tier 3
Power: 2 x 1,398kW at 1,800rpm
Propulsion: 2 x fixed-pitch propellers
Generators: 2 x Cummins Onan 55MDDCB 55kW

Regulatory
Flag: USA
Class / Survey: USCG Subchapter K