Japanese order Incat Crowther cat

Incat Crowther has completed negotiations for the design and construction of a 32m catamaran ferry for Ishigaki Dream Tours in Japan. The vessel will be built by Richardson Devine Marine at their new facility in Hobart, Tasmania.

The 32m high speed catamaran ferry will be capable of carrying 257 passengers. The main cabin contains seating for 165 passengers and a fully functioning kiosk for selling snacks and souvenirs. There is further seating for 40 passengers in the mid deck cabin with kiosk and toilet facilities also. In addition there is a further 40 exterior seats behind the mid deck cabin and on the upper deck. The aft deck has been arranged with a passenger access ramp. Powered by twin Caterpillar C32???s each producing 1,400HP, the vessel will have a service speed of 28 knots at full load and a top speed of 31 knots.

Ishigaki Dream Tours are located in the Ryukyu group of islands on the very southern tip of Japan and are a favorite getaway for Japanese tourists with tropical temperatures year round. Based in the port of Ishigaki, Ishigaki Dream Tours operate a large fleet of ferries to a number of the surrounding islands which each offer a differing variety of fun and activities.

Unfortunately their current fleet of vessels fails to maintain year round operation due to the seasonal sea conditions experienced in the area. With the purchase of the new vessel it is claimed that the operator will be able to maintain services year round due to the excellent sea keeping characteristics of the Incat Crowther hull form.