South Korean operator Seaspovill has launched its new 50m passenger catamaran ferry SeaStar 11, which has been designed in collaboration with Australia-based marine design firm Incat Crowther.
The new catamaran was built by Austal Philippines and will join the operator’s existing fleet in running from the mainland ports of Donghae and Gangneung to the island of Ulleung-do in South Korea.
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Incat Crowther had developed the design of the vessel as part of its deal with Seaspovill, offering an off-the-shelf production design and assistance with the preparation of a preliminary design package, as well as advising on the selection of the shipbuilder.
The fully IMO HSC-compliant SeaStar 11 is optimised for through-life efficiency, and has been designed with a z-bow hull form and centre bow in order to provide the operator with new levels of operability and comfort.
The long waterline length of the vessel and low structural weight will also help to reduce costs and fuel consumption.
In addition, Incat has enhanced the operational envelope of the vessel to enable operation in rougher conditions, which is expected to significantly reduce the number of lost sailing days.
The vessel is powered by four MTU 16V2000 M72 main engines, each producing 1440kW and driving the KaMeWa 56A3 waterjets.
It is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40kn and been optimised for a loaded operating speed of 33kn at a modest maximum continuous rating (MCR).
SeaStar 11 is configured around multiple boarding and mooring configurations, and maintains existing key points in order to integrate seamlessly with the existing fleet and infrastructure.
The company has claimed that a total of 346 passengers can be accommodated on the vessel's main deck, while the upper deck seats 96 passengers, with eight passengers in a VIP cabin.
Image: Incat-designed SeaStar 11 ferry is powered with MTU 16V2000 M72 main engines. Photo: courtesy of INCAT CROWTHER PTY LTD.
