Made-to-Measure Ro-Pax Ferry for Bruny Island

A double-ended ro-pax ferry Nairana has been launched for service to Bruny Island in Tasmania. 

The Incat Crowther 44 design vessel was commissioned by Sealink Travel Group and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart.

According to Incat Crowther, Nairana will bring improvements in both transit and turn-around times. The vessel combines a robust aluminum structure, double-ended functionality and a catamaran platform with a generous beam offering fuel savings compared to a monohull.

The ferry is configured to carry 36 cars and 192 passengers. Three of the vehicle lanes are unrestricted in height, with the central two lanes carrying a total 90 lane meters of trucks. It is certified to carry dangerous goods.

The elevated superstructure – located to one side of the vessel – has both interior and exterior spaces. The indoor space seats 32 passengers in booth seats with tables, while the outdoor space features café style seating for 30 passengers.

Incat Crowther said it worked with Sealink to customize the vessel to the operator’s docks, as part of a wholistic approach to the operation, including design and on-site fitment. This approach aims to target long-term value and minimizes risk to the operator. Nairana performed well on recent performance and docking trails, exceeding her contract speed and successfully interacting with shore-based infrastructure.

Nairana is powered by four Scania DI13 070M main engines, each producing 200kW. Positioned in each of the four corners of the vessel, these engines are directly coupled to Schottel SRP 100 azimuthing drives. As well as offering maneuverability, the azimuthing drives provide propulsion efficiency with all four delivering thrust in the direction of vessel travel. If required, the vessel can operate on two pods during off peak periods, which can further reducing operating costs.

A second vessel is under construction at Richardson Devine Marine.

Principal Dimensions
Length Overall 147’ 8” / 44.99m
Length Waterline 147’ 8” / 44.99m
Beam Overall 44’ / 13.4m
Draft (hull) 5’ 2” / 1.55m
Depth 11’ 6” / 3.5m
Construction Marine grade aluminum

Capacities
Fuel Oil 2 642 gallons / 10 000 liters
Fresh Water 1 321 gallons / 5 000 liters
Sullage 1 321 gallons / 5 000 liters
Passengers 192
Cars 36

Propulsion
Main Engines 4 x Scania DI13 080M
Power 4 x 200kW @ 1800rpm
Propulsion 4 x Schottel SRP 100 FP
Generators 2 x Izuzu 40 ekW

Regulatory
Flag Australia
Class / Survey NSCV 1E

Photo: Incat Crowther