VESSEL REVIEW | Fast catamaran ferry to serve inter-island routes in West Africa

Thai/Australian boatbuilder SeaCat Ships recently completed construction of a new high-speed aluminium catamaran ferry designed specifically for coastal and inter-island transport.

Measuring 18.8 metres (61.7 feet) long, the custom-built catamaran designed by SeaCat sister company Seaspeed Designs features air-conditioned VIP and economy cabins, large luggage storage areas, and premium reclining seats with tray tables and under-seat life jacket storage.

“It uses a proven semi-displacement hull form that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and ride comfort, even in moderate-to-rough sea states,” Paul Birgan, Director and Design Manager at SeaCat Ships, told Baird Maritime. “Passengers benefit from integrated video systems and charging stations delivering a superior onboard experience.”

Custom-built for heavy daily use for coastal and inter-island service

Birgan said the owner had requested a fast, reliable ferry capable of transporting over 100 passengers in comfort across inter-island routes. The brief emphasised fuel economy, durability, low maintenance, and passenger comfort, with the vessel also needing to comply with local class and safety regulations.

Modern tourism-friendly amenities and efficient turnaround capability were also part of the scope.

“The vessel operates as a high-frequency passenger ferry in West Africa, serving scheduled inter-island and coastal routes. Designed for multiple round trips per day, she excels in environments where reliable, efficient marine transport is essential to regional connectivity.”

Birgan explained that the new ferry meets the growing need for modern, safe, and efficient transport in regions with limited air service and challenging land infrastructure. The vessel also enhances access to coastal communities, boosts tourism, and supports economic activity through reliable high-speed marine links.

The ferry is powered by twin Cummins QSM11 diesel engines, each delivering 610 hp (450 kW) through conventional shaft drives and SeaSpeed-designed mini keels for tracking stability and protection. Birgan said this configuration enables the vessel to achieve cruising speeds of 23 to 24 knots, while also offering exceptional fuel efficiency at lower speeds.

“Though conventional, the propulsion system is highly optimised,” Birgan told Baird Maritime. “At 20 knots, the vessel achieves remarkable fuel economy, burning just 60 litres (13 gallons) per engine per hour. This makes it exceptionally economical for operators while still providing fast transit times.”

The navigation electronics suite includes a Garmin package with dual multi-function displays, a radar, AIS, GPS, and a depth sounder. The vessel also features a PA/intercom system, Cummins digital engine panels, and video entertainment systems integrated throughout the main cabin.

Onboard layout emphasising ergonomics and efficiency

“The helm is clean and operator-friendly, designed for high-situational awareness,” added Birgan. “The inclusion of a video entertainment system enhances the passenger experience, and charging stations at every seat support mobile device use throughout the journey and increasingly valued amenity on modern commuter ferries.”

The vessel features stainless steel bollards, fairleads, integrated fendering, and electric boarding ramps. Inside the main cabin, custom-designed overhead luggage racks and quick-access baggage zones at the fore and aft allow efficient passenger movement and turnaround.

“The boarding system is optimised for speed, with integrated boarding steps and anti-slip surfaces ensuring safety and quick transitions. Luggage racks are elevated and streamlined to provide maximum accessibility without disrupting seating arrangements.”

Inside the main cabin, the ferry boasts a coach-style air-conditioning system with dual-redundancy, which Birgan said is ideal for tropical climates. The passenger seats are high-quality reclining leather-look models with fold-down tray tables, under-seat lifejacket bags, and individual charging ports.

LED lighting is used all throughout the main cabin, while the electrical systems have been designed for redundancy, safety, and long-term reliability in commercial service.

For Birgan, the main challenge in designing the vessel lay in balancing high-speed performance with fuel economy and cargo/passenger space.

“Designing wide luggage zones and integrated seating while maintaining optimal hull efficiency required extensive refinement. The need to incorporate climate control, infotainment, and electrical systems further tested spatial and weight distribution strategies.”

The engine installation work, particularly aligning the main diesel engines and their propulsion systems, also proved complex, especially as it was undertaken within a tight schedule, according to Birgan.

Integrating the air-conditioning, video systems, and charging infrastructure during the fit-out phase added another layer of coordination for SeaCat, and delivering all systems while maintaining strict build quality and timeframes was a central challenge.

“The project demonstrated the value of early confirmation of fit-out and mechanical specs,” Birgan told Baird Maritime. “It helped further refine our modular construction approach, which accelerated aluminium fabrication and allowed for smoother system integration.

“It also reinforced best practices for managing complex interior systems like HVAC, infotainment, and redundant power distribution.”