Brazil Buys Kvaerner Catamarans
Two 40M FlyingCat catamarans worth some US$10 million have been ordered by Transtur Aerobarcos do Brasil of Rio de Janeiro from Kvaerner Fjellstrand Singapore, part of Norway's Kvaerner group.
The two vessel will be equipped with twin 12-cylinder MTU diesel engines powering dual water jets to provide an average speed of 33 knots.
Due for delivery in November, the aluminium-hulled craft can carry 441 passengers. Several design changes will speed up embarkation and disembarkation and ensure safe and effective service en route.
Transtur has operated a number of passenger services around Rio de Janeiro since 1970, and currently runs eight hydrofoils. The new catamarans represent a renewal of this fleet.
Since Kvaerner Fjellstrand Singapore was established in 1991, the company has sold 18 FlyingCat vessels.
