AUGUST 14, 2012 — Queensland, Australia, shipbuilder Aluminium Marine has launched the 26 m catamaran ferry Spirit of Queenstown. The Incat Crowther designed ferry will operate on New Zealand's Lake Wakatipu. The vessel is currently being delivered to Queenstown, New Zealand, which will involve removal of the vessel's wheelhouse for transport overland by truck to the lake.

Incat Crowther was awarded the design contract on the basis of its ability to work within the tight parameters of the New Zealand government environmental regulations, contributing innovative thinking to develop a versatile and capable vessel, with a focus on low capital and operational cost.

Incat Crowther says "the vessel's aesthetic was developed to integrate into Queenstown's foreshore environment without compromising the vessel functionality or performance."

Spirit of Queenstown is an efficient vessel that balances low fuel burn and passenger comfort. Due to the remote nature of the operation, specific attention was given to the development of durable systems, with a robust structure, conservative engine ratings, and good machinery serviceability.

The vessel has 170 seats, 127 of them inside the main deck passenger cabin. A kiosk provides concession service aft. The outboard seats are arranged in booths with tables. Large double doors provide access to the cabin from the aft boarding gates. The aft main deck features three toilets and overhead hangers for bicycles. The upper deck features wheelhouse and 43 exterior seats.

Spirit of Queenstown is powered by a pair of Yanmar 6HYM-WET main engines, each rated at 478 kW. Propulsion is via fixed pitch propellers. The vessel has a top speed in excess of 27 knots.

SPECIFICATIONS - 26 m CATAMARAN PASSENGER FERRY

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Length Overall 89' 7" / 27.3 m
Length Waterline 84' 4" / 25.7 m
Beam Overall 26' 3" / 8.0 m
Draft (hull) 4' / 1.2 m
Draft (prop) 5' 11" / 1.8 m
Depth 8' 3" / 2.5 m
Construction Marine grade aluminum

CAPACITIES
Fuel Oil (non-integral tanks) 1,268 gallons / 4 800 liters
Fresh Water 132 gallons / 500 liters
Sullage 132 gallons / 500 liters
Passengers 170
Crew 4

PROPULSION AND PERFORMANCE
Speed (Service) 23 knots
Speed (Max) 27 knots
Main Engines 2 x Yanmar 6HYM-WET
Power 2 x 478 kW (650hp)@ 2100 rpm
Propulsion 2 x Propellers
Generators 2 x Mase IS34T 33.7 kVa

REGULATORY
Flag New Zealand
Class / Survey MNZ Part 40 A Enclosed Waters