New Catamaran Ferry for South Korea Launched

 

Austal said it was awarded the A$16 million (US$12.1 million) contract to build the Incat Crowther designed catamaran in June 2016, following Seaspovill’s satisfaction with a pre-owned Austal vessel, Seastar 3, constructed in 1998.

 

Incat Crowther said it worked with Seaspovill to develop the design of the vessel, offering improvements over an off-the-shelf production design. The vessel designer then assisted in the preparation of a preliminary design package and the selection of Austal Philippines to construct the vessel. During this process, Incat Crowther representatives attended operations with Seaspovill and performed detailed route operability analysis.

 

The fully IMO HSC compliant vessel is optimized for through-life efficiency, according to the vessel’s designer. Long waterline length combines with low structural weight to provide low capital costs and lower fuel burn. Structural weight has been reduced by the use of Incat Crowther’s FEA systems to develop efficient cross structure that increases tunnel clearance without undue increase to hull depth and weight.

 

The operational envelope of the vessel is enhanced, allowing operation in rougher conditions, reducing the number of lost days. A combination of z-bow hull form and center bow give the operator new levels of seakeeping operability and comfort.

 

To integrate seamlessly with the existing fleet and infrastructure, the vessel is configured around multiple boarding and mooring configurations and maintains existing key points.

 

SeaStar 11’s primary boarding location will be the midship doors, which are fitted with hinged ramps operated by electric winches. From here, passengers will enter a large central space with plenty of luggage storage and a stairway to the upper deck. Bathrooms and a kiosk are located aft. A total of 346 passengers are accommodated on the main deck.

 

The upper deck seats 96 passengers, plus 8 passengers in a VIP cabin. A crew room is located adjacent to the elevated wheelhouse, whilst an additional two toilets are located aft.

 

Below decks, the engine rooms are laid out in a clean, accessible manner and feature removal hatches over each engine with overhead obstacles eliminated.

 

Powered by four MTU 16V2000 M72 main engines, each producing 1440kW and driving KaMeWa 56A3 waterjets, SeaStar 11 is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 knots. The vessel has been optimized for a loaded operating speed of 33 knots at a modest MCR.

 

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the successful launch of the Seaspovill ferry, on schedule, confirms Austal’s ability to deliver multiple vessel programs for numerous customers, from a single shipyard.

 

“Austal Philippines has had four vessels for three international customers under construction over recent months, demonstrating proven skills in managing multiple, complex commercial vessel projects, simultaneously,” Singleton said

 

“Customers like Seaspovill of South Korea are benefiting from Austal’s valuable experience, having delivered more than 255 vessels worldwide since 1988. Commercial operators appreciate the extraordinary focus we have on delivering the highest quality ships, on time and on budget,” Singleton added.

 

The new ferry is Austal’s first newbuild for a South Korean operator and will join Seapovill’s existing fleet running from the mainland ports of Donghae and Gangneung to the island of Ulleung-do.

 

Austal Philippines delivered two 30-meter high speed passenger ferries to the 2Go Group of the Philippines in June and construction continues of a 56-meter high speed passenger ferry for FRS of Germany.
 

 

Length Overall: 49.9m

Length Waterline: 47.7m

Beam Overall: 11.5m

Draft (hull): 1.3m

Depth: 3.9m

Construction: Marine grade aluminum

 

Fuel Oil: 17,000 liters

Fresh Water: 1,500 liters

Sullage: 1,500 liters

Passengers: 450

Crew: 6

 

Speed (Service): 33 knots

Speed (Max): 40 knots

Main Engines: 4 x MTU 16V2000 M72

Power: 4 x 1,440kW at 2,250rpm

Propulsion: 4 x Kamewa 56A3

Generators: 2 x CAT C4.4

 

Flag: Republic of Korea

Class / Survey: DNV-GL +1A1 HSLC Passenger R2 E0 IMO HSC Passenger Category A