Aluminium Marine delivers 195-passenger ferry

Aluminium Marine, Queensland, Australia, recently launched and delivered the 24m x 8.5m catamaran ferry Freedom Sovereign to Freedom Fast Cats, Queensland, Australia.

Freedom Fast Cats has also operated the 1980-built Freedom Flyer and 2010-built Freedom Monarch, both designed by Australia’s Incat Crowther.

Freedom Sovereign carries 195 passengers over two decks, with seating for 121 in the main cabin, arranged in booths with tables. There is a large bar and kiosk at the aft end of the cabin. Two toilets are located aft on the main deck, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The upper deck consists of a lounge space, which seats 20 passengers. Two additional toilets are provided on this deck, and there are 54 exterior seats.

Passengers can board via aft side gates and midship boarding doors on the main deck. Additionally, there is also an hydraulically operated telescopic ramp mounted on the foredeck. This allows Freedom Fast Cats to operate the catamaran to beaches without infrastructure.

Propulsion power is supplied by two 618 kW Yanmar 6ATM-GTE engines that drive two propellers. Freedom Sovereign has a loaded speed of 24 knots and a top speed over 27 knots.

March 26, 2012