Aluminium Boats Australia's (ABA) custom designed luxury catamaran, the 'Spirit of Migloo', operated by Whale Watch Australia, has completed a second successful whale-watching season on the Gold Coast.
The 24-metre craft was specifically designed and built for sensitive waters while minimising any impact on the environment with a custom keel design that protects whales from harm. The vessel's engines exceed international emission standards and produce minimal underwater noise. The on-board toilet and grey water waste is never allowed to pollute the ocean.
The whale-watching season usually runs from May 30 to November. During this time, the annual humpback whale migration sees between 8,000 and 10,000 whales travel past the Gold Coast. The whales migrate along the east coast of Australia on their annual journey to the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef to calf and mate.
The vessel measures 23.95 metres by nine metres and has a capacity of 170 passengers and crew. Powered by twin MTU MV 2000 M72 diesel engines, each driving a five-bladed propeller, producing a maximum speed of 28 knots and a service speed of 24 knots.
