BMT Design and Technology (BMT) has recently completed a replacement design for ferries that operate on the River Murray, Australia for the South Australian Government's Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
The first all-steel hull, built by Bowhill Engineering, was fitted out by the department's Morgan dockyard.
The first ferry has now gone into service in Lyrup, Australia with another three scheduled for completion by July 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
The team at BMT provided structural engineering and naval architecture services, and also carried out condition surveys on a further four timber hulled ferries which were nearing end of life.
Following the surveys, the department applied weight restrictions to help maintain the longevity of these ferries for safe operation until they are replaced.
Constructed of steel and 22m long, these cable driven ferries can take two lanes of cars or trucks of up to 50 tonnes, or a maximum of 70 passengers.