RDM Building New Catamaran for World Heritage Cruises
Australian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine is building a new Incat Crowther-designed catamaran due to be launched for World Heritage Cruises by the end of the year.
The passenger vessel will be the eighth Incat Crowther vessel for the Tasmanian operator and will draw on the many successful features of World Heritage Cruises’ current Incat Crowther 35, Harbour Master. This vessel has garnered acclaim for its efficient and stable platform, leading to expressions of interest in purchasing the vessel.
WHC saw this as an opportunity to take their immense knowledge of the operation and build a new vessel that takes the best of Harbour Master and improves the package in key areas. The competitive operating environment of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Gordon River means that the bulk of the improvements fall under the banner of passenger amenity. Primarily, the vessel is 1 meter wider to provide greater space, more aisles and smaller groups of seats.
A bar has been added to the mid-deck, linked to the main deck food preparation space by a dumb waiter. One of the highlights of WHC’s tours is the gourmet lunch featuring local produce. To further enhance the offering, main deck service spaces have been expanded, with the bar and food preparation now separated and a larger serving island installed.
The cabin will be lighter and brighter with deep windows and the absence of the main stair tower, which has been moved aft among other obstructions such as bathrooms.
On-board amenity will also be boosted by wifi and multiple device charging options.
The new vessel will be powered by quad Scania DI16 076M main engines. These will drive a quartet of Doen DJ200 water jets. The quad Scania package has proven itself in Harbour Master, and the addition of jets will provide an efficient, reliable package with inherent redundancy. The vessel will operate at 25 knots.
Plans are well progressed to optimize Harbour Master for its new owners to operate to Rottnest Island, with Incat Crowther’s expertise in vessel support coming to the fore. The new owners will take delivery of Harbour Master upon completion of the new vessel.
Principal dimensions
Length Overall: 119’ 6”
Measured Length: 114’ 8”
Length Waterline: 117’ 6”
Beam Overall: 32’ 10”
Draft (hull): 3’ 10”
Depth: 11’ 2”
Construction: Marine grade aluminum
Capacities
Fuel Oil: 1981 gallons
Fresh Water: 660 gallons
Sullage: 1585 gallons
Passengers: 220
Crew: 6
Propulsion and Performance
Speed (Service): 25 knots
Speed (Max): 28 knots
Main Engines: 4 x Scania DI16 072M
Power: 4 x 900hp @ 2300rpm
Propulsion: 4 x Doen DJ200 Waterjets
Generators: 2 x 80 kVA
Regulatory
Flag: Australia
Class / Survey: NSCV Fast Craft F2
