Advanced Multi-Hull Designs Catamaran Wuzhou

Advanced Multi-Hull Designs designed a 79-ft. (24-m) catamaran, Wuzhou, which was delivered for service in China. Built by Hong Kong yard A. Fai Engineers and Shiprepairers, the vessel is servicing a 230 nautical mile route in Guangdong Province with the Wuzhou Guangxi Navigation Co. The vessel is the second high speed catamaran to enter service with this company. Wuzhou is built of marine grade aluminum and designed to DNV High Speed and Light Craft rules. The vessel is classed by the Chinese Classification Society.

Construction of the vessel commenced at A. Fai's yard in Kowloon where the hull and superstructure were fabricated separately. In the construction period, A. Fai relocated to a new yard and the hull was floated to this yard for installation of the superstructure and final outfitting. The AMD170 can carry 24-dwt including 2,113 gallons (8,000 L) of fuel and 396 gallons (1,500 L) of fresh water. Propulsion is provided by two Isotta Fraschini ID 36SS 12V high speed diesel engines driving five bladed fixed pitch propellers through ZF BW 460 reduction gearboxes. Utilizing 90 percent of the 1,020 kW available from each main engine, a full load service speed of 27 knots and a maximum speed of 29 knots is achieved. For more information, Circle 6 7 on Reader Service Card