Incat boosts staff numbers as orders roll in

The Tasmanian fast ferry shipbuilder Incat hopes to expand its staff by several hundred following an approach by a European client and another for two 112-metre cats from a Japanese company, with an option for a third. The Tasmanian Government said it was lending the shipbuilder $15 million in a secured loan facility “just in case”, for its expansion phase.

The first vessel slated for delivery to Japan mid-2007 will be the biggest Incat has built and the world’s largest diesel-powered ship, which can travel at more than 40 knots.

Incat has also received an order for a 98-metre vessel from a long-standing European client and has signed a contract for a charter vessel to Scandinavian MasterFerries.

Incat managing director Craig Clifford said new staff were already being taken on to supplement the present 300. “It will depend on the marketplace and timing but 750 staff would be ideal,” he said. In anticipation, Incat had been boosting its workforce, taking on former employees and new trainees and others through labour hire organisations.