The catamaran 'Sir David Martin' was one of three Jetcats axed from service on Sydney harbour at the end of 2008 due to a poor service record and high running costs. The vessel now has a new life in the Port of Cebu, the Philippines.
The 34.8-metre Incat-designed vessel has two Kamewa 63S11 waterjets and an unladen speed of 31 knots. The vessel can carry 250 passengers on the lower deck and 30 on the upper deck. Now called 'SuperCat 38', it started taking passengers from Cebu to Bohol late last year and Captain Lyndon Landoy, port captain for vessel owner, SuperCat Fast Ferries Seacrafts, says the new acquisition provides a smoother, more comfortable ride than other vessels in their fleet.
The hulls are joined by two fabricated aluminium bridges, one forward and one aft. The upper superstructure is a self-contained aluminium unit and it is supported by rubber anti-vibration mounts that isolate engine noise and vibration.
Before taking up service in the Philippines, 'SuperCat 38' had air conditioning installed for the entire lower deck accommodation area and more amenities for passenger comfort were added including entertainment systems, a kiosk and a shade canopy for the upper deck.
'SuperCat 38' will shortly be joined by another of its sisters. 'SuperCat 36', previously 'Blue Fin' is currently undergoing an engine overhaul and refit and is expected to commence operation between Batangas and Calapan later this month.
Wendy Laursen
