Queensland, Australia-based marine solutions provider Riverside Marine and New South Wales, Australia-based Naval Architects Incat Crowther are "pleased to announce" the deployment of two new "class-leading" catamarans.
The 'Riverside Catalina' and the 'Riverside Mandalay' are two 32 metre catamarans supporting the construction and operation of the Curtis Island QCLNG plant in Gladstone, Queensland. According to Incat Crowther, these vessels "offer reduced fuel burn, and lower cost of operation when compared with vessels of similar type."
The two vessels were launched by Marine Engineering Consultants on Queensland's Gold Coast and recently delivered to Gladstone. According to Incat Crowther, the vessels have proved to be the most fuel efficient, and offer the lowest cost of operation their type in operation to and from the QCLNG site.
Configured to carry 399 passengers and featuring boarding ramps aft and amidships, the vessels are designed to integrate with the Gladstone harbour docks and give the boat flexible boarding options.
The vessels are also adaptable to a "second life" in tourism operations, with an alternative seating arrangement and offshore capability factored into their structures. With reduced passenger numbers and more interior space, the second life layout will enable the vessels to operate under NSCV 1C survey, allowing service areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Islands of North Queensland.
The 'Riverside Catalina' and 'Riverside Mandalay' will carry approximately 300 passengers and will be capable of operating at high speeds of over 25 knots. The hull form was "carefully evaluated" against both operations profiles, offering the "optimal blend of loaded efficiency and rough water seakeeping."
A pair of Caterpillar C32 main engines, each rated at 970kW, drive fixed pitch propellers. The twin engine and propeller configuration was chosen to answer the design brief of simplicity and reliability.
According to Incat Crowther, performance on sea trials was "strong", with Riverside Catalina achieving almost 30 knots whilst the service speed of 25 knots was achieved at 65% MCR.
