NIDCO’s newest ferry departs on delivery voyage

A new catamaran fast ferry ordered by the Trinidad and Tobago government’s National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) has departed the Hobart facilities of Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania and is now sailing for its home waters.

The 100- by 26-metre Buccoo Reef can accommodate 995 passengers and crew, with 175 truck lane metres plus 182 cars, or space for a total of 239 cars on the main and mezzanine decks. Recent trials off the southern coast of Tasmania showed the vessel is capable of speeds in excess of 45 knots, thanks to its four MAN 16V 28/33 STC 7,280kW diesel engines.

The ferry left Hobart on Thursday, January 21. The voyage is expected to take approximately a month via Tahiti and the Panama Canal.