Incat Crowther design for new Seychelles ferry

To be built in Tasmania by Richardson Devine Marine, Cat Cocos III will be the third vessel Incat Crowther has designed for the operator. The company says that this demonstrates a long term commitment to its clients through the entire process of design, build and operation.

Following a comprehensive design consultation, the vessel size and capacity was settled at 26m, carrying 216 passengers. The ship is styled to match the Cat Cocos fleet, while being designed to be more efficient to build, and to reduce operating costs.

The main passenger deck will seat 163 passengers in mostly forward-facing seats, with tables located in booth arrangements at seats near to the bar at the aft end. There is a forward door with access to foredeck which features bench seats.

There are three toilets aft, as well as a large luggage room with counter access to the side decks, immediately adjacent to a crew gate for speedy loading. An external stair aft leads to the upper deck where there are 39 outdoor seats. In the upper deck cabin are 14 first class seats and a mini-bar.

The ferry is powered by two MTU 12V2000 M70 engines, each rated 1055 bhp at 2100 rpm. Propulsion is via ZF gearboxes through to five-bladed propellers. The hulls are being designed for a high efficiency, which should allow the modest output of these engines to propel the vessel to a top speed of 30 knots. The vessel’s loaded service speed will be 28 knots.

Incat Crowther says that securing this project proves its ability to satisfy clients’ requirements and continually evolve and improve its product offering.