The latest high speed catamaran ferry from Incat of Australia, the ‘Santa Monica 1’, a 76m 40-plus knot vessel, is now on its way to owner Seaworld Express Ferry, where it will operate the Jindo – Jeju route in South Korea.
Incat says this ro-pax vessel, with capacity for 621 passengers and 86 vehicles, is expected to prove a frontrunner in terms of economy, seakeeping and comfort for vessels of its size. It features the latest evolution of Incat’s hullform with a new centre-bow arrangement, reflecting over 30 years of experience building high speed vehicle-passenger ferries.
With a significant improvement to both waterline length and vessel trim compared with previous 74m and 78m, together with a Motion Control System, the Incat 76m catamaran design claims improved speed and fuel consumption along with a smoother ride and an enhanced onboard experience for both passengers and crew.
Designed by Revolution Design, the Santa Monica 1 achieved a maximum speed of 49.7 knots on sea trials. Contractual speed of 42 knots with 100t deadweight aboard was achieved with a margin in excess of 5 knots. According to Incat Chairman and Founder Robert Clifford, the company’s mantra is to build lighter and stronger, with aluminium having about 30% of the weight of steel. The ability to build strong aluminium structures at lowest weight means the vessel requires less power, consumes less fuel, and delivers efficiency to meet operator requirements.
As with all large Incat vessels the superstructure, Tier 2 and above, is an independent structure, connected to the hull via rubber isolation mounts, for optimum noise and vibration performance.
Vehicles are handled via a vessel-mounted ramp at the stern. Maximum loads are 5t for single axle, dual wheel.
Situated over the passenger deck, Santa Monica 1’s wheelhouse features a dedicated docking station, 360-degree views and CCTV to deliver a high level of safety and control during voyages and docking.
Santa Monica 1 is powered by four Caterpillar C280-16 engines which each deliver 5,650kW at 100% MCR. Each engine drives a steerable Kongsberg Kamewa S90-4 waterjet via a Reintjes VLJ 4431 gearbox. Four Caterpillar C7.1 generators rated at 200kWe each and 380V, 60Hz, supply electrical power.
The ship is classed by DNV with notation +1A HSLC R1 Ferry B EO.
