The latest Incat Crowther design for New Zealand has been handed over to its new owners, Meridian Energy. Based in the southern region of New Zealand, the vessel will transport workers from the Manapouri township to Meridian Energy's underground hydro electric power station.
The vessel will be operated for Meridian by local tour boat operator Real Journeys.
The 19-metre vessel has been named 'Mararoa' after a river that flows into Lake Manapouri. The vessel was built by Q-West of New Zealand at its yard in Wanganui, on New Zealand's North Island. It was then delivered by sea to Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park, where it was loaded on to a low loader for the 20km, 200-metre vertical climb up to Lake Manapouri.
'Mararoa' is a high-speed catamaran ferry capable of carrying 48 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots. The main cabin contains seating for 48 passengers with further seating for six on the vessels aft deck. The cabin has been fitted out to a commercial passenger ferry standard featuring lightweight seats and panels for all furniture, internal bulkheads and linings.
The wheelhouse has been raised to foredeck height and features large widows providing excellent all round visibility for the skipper. The aft deck has been arranged to carry four small cargo bins while the upper deck will be capable of carrying larger items required by the power station.
Powered by twin MTU Series 60 main engines, each producing 447kW, the vessel achieved 27.5 knots and at its service rating of 80 percent MCR, the vessel achieved 25 knots. This will enable the vessel to complete the 16 nautical mile run in about 35 to 40 minutes. The drive train was also fitted with a modern electronically controlled gearbox providing the master with a higher degree of control at slow speed and while maneuvering.
