Bollinger Signs Pact With Incat For High Speed Vessel

Bollinger Shipyards and Incat Australia have come to an agreement to market and build high speed vessels to Incat designs in the U.S. Known for its K Class aluminum catamarans, Incat has to date built more than 40 percent of the worldwide fleet of high-speed passenger ferries more than 230 ft. (70 m).

The two companies have been working together on a proposal to an unnamed owner for a unique wave-piercing vessel that can transport 500 passengers and various vehicles at speeds of more than 40 knots. The design resembles that of the Incat Tasmania, which includes two slender aluminum hulls connected by a bridging section with a center bow structure at the forward end.

One 282 ft. (86 m) Incat, HMAS Jervis Bay, is currently under charter to the Royal Australian Navy working in East Timor carrying fully equipped troops and various vehicles required for their mission.

Donald T. "Boysie" Bollinger, chairman and CEO of Bollinger said, "We have extensive experience in building a variety of high speed, reliable and efficient boats for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Through that process, we have developed the expertise in weight control necessary to build these vessels. We are proud of this new association with Incat and look forward to a mutually beneficial alliance."