Two Additional 34m Catamaran Passenger Ferries Under Construction for Auckland
Incat Crowther announced the commencement of construction of a further two 34m catamaran passenger ferries for Fullers Group Ltd. The new vessels will be sister ships to Te Kotuku (delivered in 2014), validating the close association between designer, builder and operator in developing that vessel, including its integration into the Auckland transport network.
As with Te Kotuku, the new vessels are being built by Q-West in Wanganui, New Zealand.
The vessels will carry 401 passengers and include the addition of a sun deck. The main deck features seats for 174, a large café, luggage racks and wide access doors. Also fitted will be two toilets (one of which is handicap-accessible) and racks for 14 bicycles.
The upper deck features 76 exterior seats and 81 interior seats. An additional bar and pair of toilets are also located on the upper deck.
The wheelhouse retains its successful asymmetric configuration, designed in consideration of the operational requirements. The frequently used starboard wing control station is enclosed for protection from the elements, whilst the port side is dedicated to crew access via stairs to the foredeck, which houses palletised cargo and a deck crane.
Passenger boarding is by large side gates on the main deck, or via the hydraulic hinging articulated ramps mounted on the transom port and starboard, which integrate with the existing shore-based infrastructure and offer a fast turnaround time.
The new vessels will feature larger engines, carrying the increased deadweight and offering improved performance and efficiency. The vessels feature conventional fixed pitch propellers and offer an efficient loaded service speed of 26 knots.
The vessel will be fitted with a dry exhaust system which, along with the engine room air outlets, will exit high above the upper deck. This configuration, which reduces fumes and noise in passenger areas, is typical of vessels in the Fullers fleet.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 38 No.1 Issue last February 29,2016.
