Richardson Devine launches 558-passenger catamaran ferry

Incat Crowther, Newport, NSW, Australia, reports that Hobart, Tasmania, shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine recently launched the 37 m catamaran passenger ferry Kilimanjaro III. It is the third vessel from the designer builder partnership for Coastal Fast Ferries in Tanzania, Africa.

Kilimanjaro III was developed following the success of Kilimanjaro I and Kilimanjaro II. Incat Crowther and RDM were approached by the operator to develop a larger, faster and more versatile vessel. The result is a 558 passenger vessel that is larger than any other vessel on the Zanzibar – Dar Es Salaam route and capable of the more rugged offshore route to the Island of Pemba.

Kilimanjaro III also carries more passengers at less cost per-passenger to the operator, taking further advantage of the operation’s revenue-making potential.

Taking advantage of a broader beam than its predecessors, Kilimanjaro III’s passengers are accommodated in a mix of seating levels and styles.

Economy’ class passengers are seated in leather reclining seats with full air-conditioning, a kiosk with a table seating area, and expansive, full wrap around views from the large tinted windows.

First class passengers on the mid deck enjoy a luxurious seating arrangement utilizing large reclining leather seats complete with leg support.  All of the interior seats are supplied by George Eknes of Norway.

Outdoor seating from Beurteax Australia is provided on the open upper deck as well as on the awning covered aft mid deck where passengers are still able to be entertained via a 55 inoutdoor television. Additional bench seating is provided on the bow and across the stern to maximize capacity.

The wheelhouse is a spacious area with wrap around visibility. There are three Beaurteax helm seats and access to wing control stations

Kilimanjaro III features Incat Crowther’s new generation hull form, which offers increased efficiency and improved seakeeping. She is powered by a pair of Cummins KTA50 engines, each producing 1,340 kW. Excellent performance on sea trials proved the virtues of the hull form. Loaded performance was recorded at over 31 knots, and the vessel will operate at 29 knots at 77% MCR.

Length Overall: 38.1 m
Length Waterline: 37.3 m
Beam: 10.5 m
Draft Max: 1.8 m
Draft Hull: 1.1 m
Depth: 3.65 m
Fuel: 6 000 liters
Fresh Water: 1 500 liters
Sullage: 1 500 liters
Passengers: 558
Service Speed: 29 knots
Main Engines: 2 x Cummins KTA50
Installed Power: 2 x 1340kW @1900 rpm
Propulsion: 2 x Propellers
Generators: 2 x Cummins 170kVA, 1 x Cummins 17kVA
Construction Material: Marine Grade Aluminum
Flag: Australian Flag USL/NSCV 1C

August 19, 2011