Gladding-Hearn Delivering Fast Ferry

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, The Duclos Corporation, has begun construction of a new all-aluminum catamaran, which will join three other high-speed ferries built by the shipyard for Boston-based Boston Harbor Cruises. Measuing 142.6 ft. on the deck, 39 ft. abeam and carrying 500 passengers, the new vessel will be the largest Incat-designed fast ferry in the country, said shipyard officials. Delivery is scheduled for next June. Designed for commuter service, whale watching and passenger coastal excursions by Australia-based Incat Designs. The vessel's forward windows, for example, are vertical to allow for more interior space than sloped forward windows generally found on most fast ferries today. Powered by four Caterpillar 3512B diesel engines, each delivering 1,950 hp and driven by KaMeWa A56 waterjets through ZF BW 465D gearboxes, the vessel is expected to reach a top speed of 37 knots when fully loaded. It is equipped with a Maritime Dynamics active motion-control system. A motion sensor actuates a computer in the wheelhouse to adjust the large trim tabs, thus reducing the motion on the vessel as much as 60 percent.