Incat delivers second Japanese cat

The Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat has delivered the second high speed Wave Piercing Catamaran to Japanese owner Higashi Nihon Ferry. The Natchan World will join her sister Natchan Rera, completed by Incat last August, in service across Japan?s Tsugaru Strait between the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.

At nearly 11,000 gt and 1,450 dwt, the new 112.60 metre long Natchan World is one of the largest vessels yet built by Incat. Before being handed over by Incat, an impressive two months ahead of schedule, the Natchan World was officially named in a ceremony at the Incat shipyard on 8 April.

Like the Natchan Rera before her, the Natchan World?s eye catching livery, is adapted from paintings created by Japanese children. With Natchan World Incat has reached the pinnacle in high speed craft luxury and comfort, with this its most valuable export to date. Operating at speeds of approximately 40 knots and with capacity for up to 800 persons and 355 cars, or 450 lane metres of trucks and 193 cars, the Natchan World is almost identical to her sister, Natchan Rera.

Some changes have been implemented, including a new form of relaxation for Executive Class passengers which, it is claimed, is unmatched by any on aircraft, trains or cruise ships. Here, instead of individual seats, there are small booth style compartments with massage chairs for two to four passengers enabling occupants to relax in private.