Topaz Marine Engineering, a leading engineering, shipbuilding and ship repair services firm for the OSV industry, is "proud to announce" the delivery of the fast ferry catamaran 'Khater 2'.
Delivered to the Government of Sharjah's Royal Court (AI Diwan AI Amiri) in Abu Dhabi, the vessel measures 18 metres in length overall, with a beam of 7.5 metres and a depth of 2.8 metres. Twin Caterpillar C18 engines power the craft, each rated for 521kW and carrying up to 40 passengers on the main deck at a top speed of 25 knots thanks to a twin-screw five-blade fixed-pitch propeller package supplied by BT Marine.
Designed by Australian naval architect Incat Crowther and constructed at Topaz's Abu Dhabi shipyard, the vessel conveys a focus on passenger luxury and efficiency. The craft will transport passengers between mainland Sharjah and Abu Musa Island, located 70 kilometres offshore.
Following delivery of the vessel, the Sharjah Government commented: "Topaz Marine Engineering has done an excellent job in completing the construction of our ferry and delivering it within the timeframe requested. We look forward to working with them again in the future. We are proud of having this kind of advanced shipyard in the region to support the development of the UAE at an international level."
Jacques Moreau, director of shipbuilding at Topaz, also commented: "This contract is another achievement for Topaz Group that magnifies our leadership in fast passenger, crew, and supply boats to the MENA region.
"Ferry demand is increasing across the Gulf countries and Topaz is responding by developing new designs and solutions to worldwide standards. We aim to offer comfort, high speed, manoeuvrability and excellent sea keeping in all our vessels, making this kind of transportation safer and more pleasant with an unforgettable experience."
Operated by Topaz Marine Engineering Division, Nico Craft and Nico International provide shipbuilding, marine repair and underwater support services to the OSV and engineering markets throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the Caspian Sea.
Nico Craft has developed into one of the leading shipbuilders in the Gulf region, offering full turnkey solutions in vessel design, construction and delivery. The company has an ambitious expansion plan for the international market, increasing its workforce to 800 employees and attracting attention from global clients.
With over 50 vessels either delivered or under construction and a team of expert naval architects and engineers constantly on call, Nico Craft's specialised ship conversion unit is involved in all levels of vessel construction and upgrades. To date, the company has completed a range of vessel types, from passenger vessels to OSVs, tankers, cargo vessels and barges up to 80 metres in length.
