VIDEO: Incat Tasmania’s latest fast ferry sets sail for Port of Spain

Written by Nick Blenkey
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On contractual sea trials off the southern coast of Tasmania Buccoo Reef achieved maximum speeds in excess of 45 knots.

Following completion of sea trials, Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania’s latest delivery, the 100 meter catamaran fast ferry Buccoo Reef, departed Hobart for Port of Spain yesterday. The delivery voyage to Trindad and Tobago is anticipated to take approximately a month via Tahiti and the Panama Canal.

Built for the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO), Buccoo Reef is a new generation fast ferry featuring Incat’s recently introduced center bow arrangement for enhanced sea keeping.

Buccoo Reef features Incat’s recently introduced center bow arrangement for enhanced sea keeping.

“Incat has invested in extensive tank testing and studies using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and hydrodynamic free-running model test techniques,” said Incat Tasmania CEO Tim Burnell. “The result is the new arrangement to Incat’s signature center bow profile, ensuring Buccoo Reef is truly fit for purpose on year-round ferry operations on what is an exposed seabridge between Trinidad and Tobago.”

Buccoo Reef has been constructed in Hobart utilizing renewable green energy. “100% of the energy consumed in the manufacture of Buccoo Reef was derived from locally generated renewable green energy sources consisting of hydro, wind and solar,” says Burnell.

Flexible rubber mounts between the superstructure and hull will ensure passengers traveling on Buccoo Reef will enjoy the comfort and relaxation of quiet and vibration-free lounges.

The vessel can accommodate 995 passengers and crew, with 175 truck lane meters plus 182 cars, or space for a total 239 cars on the main and mezzanine decks.

On contractual sea trials off the southern coast of Tasmania Buccoo Reef achieved maximum speeds in excess of 45 knots.

Buccoo Reef Principal Particulars

  • Yard No: 094
  • Designer: Revolution Design Pty Ltd
  • Builder: Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd
  • Class Society: DNV GL
  • Certification: DNV +1A1 HSLC R1 Car Ferry “B” EO
  • Length overall: 100.0 meters
  • Length waterline: 92.4 meters
  • Beam moulded: 26.6 meters
  • Beam of Hulls: 4.5 meters
  • Draft: 3.7 meters
  • Speed: 39.5 knots at 100% MCR with 400 tonnes deadweight

Capacities

  • Deadweight: 760 tonnes
  • Passengers: 995 passengers and crew
  • Vehicles: 239 cars, or 175 truck lane meters plus 182 cars

Machinery

  • Main Engines: 4 x MAN 16V 28/33 STC marine diesel engines each rated at 7,280 kW
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