Loch Ness Monster: Incat Crowther Joins the Search

Incat Crowther has entered into a contract to design a 20m catamaran passenger ferry to ply the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland, taking tourists in search of Nessie, the lake’s the famous monster.

Construction of the vessel for Cruise Loch Ness is underway at Exeter Fabrication Ltd in England. The vessel will be the first vessel to be fully designed in Incat Crowther’s Europe office, providing a full service from preliminary design through to functional and production design.

In addition to regulatory guidance, the preliminary design phase included an analysis of the vessel’s platform, with a narrow-beam catamaran was proposed, giving good efficiency whilst allowing the vessel to access the loch via a canal and lock.

The main deck will is spacious with large windows for monster-spotting opportunities. Toilets and a bar are located aft.

The upper deck is effectively and interior space, being open at the side whilst being covered above. This allows the cruise to operate in various weather conditions, without forcing passengers inside.

As with a number of other Incat Crowther vessels, this design features an asymmetric wheelhouse. This incorporates an enclosed wing control station on the port side (which will see all docking movements), and an open access passage to starboard. The open starboard side passage allows direct access for crew between the wheelhouse and foredeck, whilst also giving the flexibility of passenger flow between foredeck and upper deck.

The vessel will be powered by a pair of Volvo D9 MH main engines. Producing 313kW per side, these efficient engines are capable of propelling the vessel to speeds over 20 knots.

The Cruise Loch Ness project confirms Incat Crowther’s commitment to providing Europe with a level of service, experience and expertise consistent with the company’s global network.

SPECIFICATIONS - 20m CATAMARAN PASSENGER FERRY

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall                   68’ 11” / 21.0m
Length Waterline               65' 8” / 20.0m
Beam Overall                    23’ / 7.0m
Draft (hull)                          3' 4” / 1.0m

Construction                     Marine grade aluminium

CAPACITIES

Fuel Oil                            2 x 264 gallons / 2 x 1 000 litres
Fresh Water                    1 x 1321 gallons / 1 x 500 litres
Passengers                        220
Crew 4

PROPULSION AND PERFORMANCE

Speed (Service)               19.9 knots
Speed (Max)                      22 knots
Main Engines                     2 x Volvo D9 MH
Power                                 2 x 313kW @ 2200rpm
Propulsion                          2 x Fixed-pitched Propellers
Generators                         2 x Kohler 11 EFKOZD 11kvA

REGULATORY

Flag                                    UK
Class / Survey                  MCA