First ro-pax cat completed for Turkey

Following the launch in December of ?Osman Gazi-1?, the first of two Austal built Auto Express 88 fast car ferries for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, an inaugural voyage for representatives of the operating cities of Turkey was held on 12 March. This was to commemorate the successful completion of sea trials prior to the ferry traveling to Istanbul to commence operations.

Designated to operate on a 39 nautical mile reciprocal service across the Marmara Sea between Yenikapi (Istanbul) and a new port development in Mudanya servicing the city of Bursa, the new building is scheduled to enter service in April 2007, the same month the second ferry will be launched.

The new ferries will provide a direct link between the port Mudanya and Istanbul in 75 minutes facilitating increased business opportunities due to the efficient movement of people and cargo. A one hour sea trial followed the formal events during which time speeds exceeding 43 knots were achieved, to the delight of the visitors who experienced the ride in the comfort of the luxurious upper deck passenger accommodation.

The performance of the fast ferry has also been impressive on official sea trials, with a higher than contract speed of 37.4 knots achieved at operating deadweight, 90% MCR (power) and with operational Ride Control System. With four MTU 20V8000 M71R engines installed at the reduced (R) maximum rating of 7,200kW @ 1,150rpm, this allows for low engine stresses, increased fuel efficiency and longer intervals between engine overhauls.

Designed to carry 225 cars, or 158 cars and 128 lane metres for trucks and buses, the car deck features mezzanine levels across all lanes with the centre mezzanine capable of being lifted for truck and bus access. With an open bow above the forward turning area the aft loading point features combined vehicle and passenger ramps for quick deployment and retrieval enabling fast port turnarounds.

Passenger comfort at high speed is aided by Austal?s fully active SeaState Ride Control System featuring forward T-foils and transom mounted interceptors providing dynamic pitch and roll stabilisation in higher sea states.

Safety is, as ever, uncompromised with the installation of passenger evacuation systems and the classification of the ferries to Germanischer Lloyd +100 A5 HSC-Passenger B OC3 notation and the requirements of Turkish Flag. With unmanned engine room spaces, all vessel and passenger technical operations are monitored and controlled at the engineer?s console on the bridge that also features overhanging docking stations.