Propeller driven catamaran promises fuel savings

JULY 30, 2012 — Designer Incat Crowther has released some more details of the 34 m catamaran passenger ferry Ava Pearl, now in service  with Rhode Island Fast Ferry. Built by Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding, Somerset, Mass., the 150 passenger vessel replaces the 400 passenger Millennium, delivered by Gladding Hearn in 1998. Designed to accommodate lighter passenger loads than the Millennium, the new ferry is smaller overall, lighter, and, unlike the waterjet propelled Millennium, is driven by propellers, resulting in significant fuel savings during off-peak times (see earlier story).

As a long-time operator of Incat Crowther ferries, Rhode Island Fast Ferry turned to Gladding Hearn and Incat Crowther to develop and build a ferry with twin engines and propellers designed specifically for operation on the ferry run between Quonset Point and Martha’s Vineyard, freeing up Millennium to increase its sightseeing cruise operation, which will now run daily.

Ava Pearl features 130 seats on the main deck, configured at tables. A large bar is situated aft, with ample luggage racks and toilet spaces. The upper deck features 81 seats in forward-facing configuration, with further seats located outdoors on the aft deck.

The vessel features both trim-tab ride control and a resilient mounted superstructure. Combined with an S-Bow hull form, these features afford Ava Pearl’s passengers a smooth and comfortable ride.

Ava Pearl is powered by two MTU 12V4000 M53 main engines, each producing 1850hp. In recent trials, she achieved a loaded speed of 31.5 knots and has a top speed of 33 knots.

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Length Overall     33.1m
Length Waterline     32.5m
Beam Overall     9.65m
Draft (hull)    1.5m
Draft (prop)     2.0m
Depth      3.8m
Construction     Marine grade aluminium

CAPACITIES
Fuel Oil     7,570 liters
Fresh Water 1,514 liters
Sullage  3,028 liters
Passengers 150
Crew 3

PROPULSION AND PERFORMANCE
Speed (Service) 31.5 knots
Speed (Max) 33 knots
Main Engines 2 x MTU 12V4000 M53
Power 2 x 1,380 kW (1850hp) @ 1800rpm
Propulsion 2 x Propellers
Generators 2 x Cummins/Onan 55MDDCB 55kW

REGULATORY
Flag USCG Subchapter T