Honduras Takes Delivery of Incat Fast Ferry

Honduras-based operator Safeway Maritime Transportation Co., has taken delivery of its first Incat Crowther catamaran ferry for operation on the north coast of Honduras. It will run between the main land city of La Ceiba and Isla de Roatán in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel is a 150.9 ft. (46m) high speed catamaran ferry capable of carrying 460 passengers at a speed of 36 knots. The main cabin accomodates 237 passengers seated in rows. The mid deck first class cabin has seating for 60 passengers primarily seated in rows. This cabin also has its own kiosk and toilet facilities. In addition there is a small VIP cabin for 8 passengers with access from the wheelhouse. An outdoor seating area for 150 passengers is fitted aft of the mid deck cabin and protected from the elements by enclosed sides.

The vessel's interior has been especially developed to minimize the effects of the tropical environment the vessel operates in, by utilizing hard moisture resistant surfaces. The ship is powered by four Cat 3512B main engines producing 1800 bhp each coupled to Hamilton HM651 water jets. The vessel was built by Louisiana based shipbuilder Gulf Craft Inc. This is the third high speed vessel that has been built to an Incat Crowther design in the past two years and has now helped to establish a strong bond between the two organizations.

Gulf Craft is now in the early stages of building another large high speed vessel for service in the Gulf of Mexico. Safeway Maritime Transportation Co. provides two round trips per day between the mainland and Isla de Roatán. The Incat Crowther design was developed with a combination of higher than normal freeboard and an interceptor based MDI ride control system to provide a very comfortable ride over the 1_ hour journey. The Galaxy Wave represents the 233rd high speed catamaran designed by Incat Crowther and the 21st design in the 40 meter to 60 meter range.Source: The Bulletin