Wesmar to supply bow thrusters for Australian ferry

MARCH 19, 2013 — Wesmar (Western Marine Electronics, Inc.), Woodinville, WA, has won an order from Hydraquip, Tasmania, Australia, for two commercial bow thruster systems for installation on a steel-hulled car/passenger ferry.

The order is for two Wesmar Model V2-28, 185 HP, counter rotating dual-prop stainless steel bow thruster systems. They will be installed on Searoad Ferries’ 187-foot M/V Queenscliff, a double ended roll-on/roll-off catamaran ferry that provides hourly service between the Victoria, Australia, towns of Queensland and Sorento.

Designed by Seward Marine, the Queenscliff has been operating between the two cities since delivery from shipbuilder Port Lincoln Ship Construction Pty Ltd at Port Lincoln, South Australia in1993. She accommodates 80 vehicles and 700 passengers.

The Wesmar thrusters will enhance maneuvering in tight quarters and crowded harbors, and hold the Queenscliff steady to the dock for efficient on and off loading of cars and passengers.

Wesmar thrusters are operating on passenger and car ferries around the world, many of them of catamaran design.