New Passenger Ferry for Seychelles’ Inter Island Express
A new 30-meter aluminum passenger ferry Isle of la Digue built by Richardson Devine Marine is the latest vessel designed by Incat Crowther for the Seychelles operator Inter Island Express.
The catamaran newbuild, which required a very shallow draft to afford access to the operator’s confined harbor berth, is the first to feature Incat Crowther’s new generation propeller tunnel to reduce propeller draft and offer a flat transom which can integrate with standard fixed or active interceptor systems, the designer said.
The tunnel design was modeled with Incat Crowther’s in-house CFD software prior to being used on an active project. During sea trials, the Isle of La Digue demonstrated a six percent fuel saving over the standard hull. The vessel achieved speed of 32 knots at maximum deadweight, and a low fuel burn at its operational cruising speed of 28 knots.
In addition, Incat Crowther said attention has been paid to highly-loaded areas of the vessel’s structure, providing a robust and durable vessel capable of operating safely over the longer term on its demanding run. The structure has been optimized to the route’s specific sea conditions, using the designer’s in-house FEA systems.
The vessel’s 290 passengers are accommodated in three classes. Turnaround time including baggage handling has been optimized with four access locations on the port side. Luggage is directly loaded to the enlarged luggage room via the aft-most ramp. Economy passengers are loaded via the next two gates, with those destined for the upper deck afforded a clear path to the aft stairs. At midships, a boarding location is reserved for business class passengers, who feed directly into a dedicated staircase to the business class cabin.
Multiple features have been implemented to enhance passenger comfort, including the latest generation centre bow, an active ‘high throw’ interceptor ride control system, large viewing windows and integrated blinds in the business class cabin to reduce heat and glare.
Principal Dimensions
Length Overall: 104’ 8”
Length Waterline: 97’ 10”
Beam Overall: 29’ 7”
Draft (hull): 4’ 5”
Draft (prop or max): 5’ 7”
Depth: 10’ 8”
Construction: Marine grade aluminum
Capacities
Fuel Oil: 2,113 gallons
Fuel Oil (day tanks): 793 gallons
Fresh Water: 317 gallons
Sullage: 396 gallons
Passengers: 290
Crew: 7
Propulsion and Performance
Service Speed: 28 knots
Max Speed: 32 knots
Main Engines: 2 x Cummins KTA50-M2
Power: 2 x 1,800hp @ 1900rpm
Propulsion: 2 x Propellers
Generators: 2 x Cummins 6B-CP80DM/5
Regulatory
Flag: Seychelles
Class / Survey: NSCV 1C