New Ferry Delivered to Sealink In Australia

Sealink Travel Group has taken delivery of Coolgaree Cat, a newly built passenger vessel developed specifically for the Palm Island and Magnetic Island runs, operated from Townsville in Queensland, Northern Australia. 

The new ferry was handed over from Australian builder Aluminium Marine earlier this month ahead of its official entry into service this past weekend.

The 32-meter catamaran was developed by marine engineering design firm Incat Crowther in close conjunction with the operator Sealink to offer a number of improvements over those currently in service on the run. According to Incat Crowther, the vessel is a more robust and sustainable addition to the Sealink fleet, optimized for through-life efficiency on the offshore Palm Island route.

Long-term value is enhanced by improved durability, with a clear focus on operational features including cargo handling, passenger vision, green water shedding, cleaning and maintenance, the designer said, adding operational costs are reduced with the lower fuel burn seen during sea trails, despite being a larger and stronger vessel than those it is replacing.

Boarding is via stern side gates or a port side midship boarding door. The main deck features 206 seats in a mix of booth and forward-facing, with deep windows giving the cabin a light and airy feel. There is a large kiosk aft, in addition to multiple storage areas.

The upper deck seats 86 passengers in a mix of lounges and regular seats. 26 exterior seats are available on the upper aft deck. The bulk of the aft deck is dedicated to containerized freight stowage, with space for 12 luggage trolleys and a cool room for a further three. The aft end coamings of this deck have been reinforced to cope with the impact of the trolleys whilst loading gates are specifically located o work with existing infrastructure.

(Photo: Incat Crowther)

The vessel is fitted with twin Caterpillar C32 engines, delivering 970kW each. Propulsion is via fixed-pitch propellers. Capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots, she has a fuel-efficient fully loaded operational speed of 26 knots at only 60% MCR offering increased time between main engine overhauls.

Incat Crowther Technical Director, Dr. Andrew Tuite, said, “In partnership with the operations team at SeaLink in Townsville, Incat Crowther developed a functional robust ferry for unique operating conditions experienced to Palm Island. Incat Crowther is proud of the technically advanced Coolgaree Cat, designed specifically for the Queensland environment and built in Queensland using world’s best shipbuilding processes.”

Chris Briggs, General Manager of Sealink North Queensland, said, “Coolgaree Cat has achieved the performance envelope we were aiming for and has actually exceeded our performance expectations in some areas. This result has been achieved through Incat Crowther’s willingness to combine SeaLink’s operational knowledge and experience with their expertise and industry-leading approach to designing aluminum passenger ferries.”

(Photo: Incat Crowther)

Principal dimensions
Length overall: 32m
Length waterline: 31.5m
Beam overall: 10m
Draft (hull): 1.2m
Draft (prop): 1.8m
Depth: 3m
Construction: Marine grade aluminum

Capacities
Fuel oil: 5,000 liters
Fresh water: 2,000 liters
Sullage: 3,000 liters
Passengers: 320
Crew: 5

Propulsion and performance
Speed (service): 25 knots
Speed (max): 30 knots
Main engines: 2 x CAT C32 B rating
Power: 2 x 970kW @ 2100rpm
Gensets: 2 x CAT C4.4
Gear Boxes: Twin Disc MGX-6620
Propulsion: 2 x propellers

Regulatory
Flag: Australia
Class / Survey: NSCV 1C/1D

(Photo: Incat Crowther)