Incat high speed ferry excels

During its 1,516 tonne displacement trails, the 99m Francisco achieved 51.8 knots, making it the world’s fastest ship, Incat says.

“When we have less fuel on board, and delivery spares removed, we will see that speed go higher still in the shallow waters of the River Plate,” said Robert Clifford, chairman, Incat.

This record exceeds the results achieved on 1 June 2013 when the vessel was sea trialled with full ballast.

Incat says the vessel’s high speed is down to its catamaran design and the use of lightweight but strong marine glade aluminium, while the power is produced by two 22MW GE LM2500 gas turbines driving Wärtsilä LJX 1720 SR waterjets.

Francisco, which has capacity for 1,000 passengers and 150 cars, has been constructed for South American company, Buquebus.

It will be used for service on the River Plate, between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay.