Incat designs a low wash fast ferry for the Danube
Incat Crowther has won a contract to design a low wash vessel with a hull form designed especially for restricted waters where high current and debris are encountered.
The 39m high-speed catamaran ferry will be built by Wight Shipyard Co for operation by Twin City Liner on the Danube River between Vienna and Bratislava.
According to the new vessel’s operator, Incat Crowther was selected as the designer on the basis of technical capability and for delivering a design solution that meets stringent criteria.
It said that the Australian based vessel designer took the time to witness the operation on the Danube first-hand, affording a detailed understanding of the complex operational requirements.
Highly efficient
Incat has designed the hull is designed to be highly efficient and operate at level trim, giving the vessel a top speed of 38 knots and a reliable service speed of 32 knots. Performance is aided by custom-designed interceptors.
The vessel’s structural design uses advanced engineering to reduce weight whilst remaining robust. A specific anchoring system has been developed to assist docking in high current conditions.
It will be powered by a quartet of Scania DI16 main engines, each producing 809kW, driving Rolls Royce S40-3 water jets. Large hatches over the main engines and gearboxes enhance maintenance access.
Passengers will board the new craft via midship doors port and starboard and enter a bright and airy main cabin capable of seating up to 185 passengers.
Above, on the upper deck, external seating will be provided for 29 passengers while aft of the elevated wheelhouse, interior seating is available for 35 passengers.
By Anne-Marie Causer
