June 5, 2009
Austal unveils next generation trimaran
Austal has unveiled its new 102-meter trimaran vehicle-passenger ferry platform, which is currently under construction at its Western Australian shipyard and available for purchase.
The new trimaran is an evolution of Austal's landmark 2005 trimaran ferry Benchijigua Express--optimizing performance, seakeeping, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and payload to deliver what Austal calls "a truly next generation transportation solution."
The vessel utilizes Austal's trimaran technology, combining the softer roll of monohulls with the low resistance, stability and carrying capacity of catamarans, to open up new markets beyond existing fast ferry designs. A lower roll speed means lower accelerations experienced by passengers--significantly reducing passenger seasickness.
The trimaran's unique hydrodynamic hull form combined with its three engine propulsion train delivers fuel efficiency across a range of operating conditions.
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Length overall 102.0 m
Length (waterline) 101.4 m
Beam (molded) 26.8 m
Hull depth (molded) 7.6 m
Hull draft (maximum) 4.2 m
PAYLOAD AND CAPACITIES
Passengers 1,165 / 950
Outdoor seating for 12
Vehicles 245 cars
Heavy vehicles 190 lane m for trucks and 145 cars
Clear heights
Trucks under raised mezzanine deck 4.30 m
Cars under mezzanine deck 2.30 m
Cars over mezzanine deck 2.00 m
Maximum deadweight 700 tonnes
PROPULSION
Main engines 3 x MTU 20V 8000 M71L
9,100 kW @ 1,150 rpm
Gearboxes 3 x ZF 53800
Waterjets 3 x Wartsila LJX 1300
PERFORMANCE (with Ride Control fitted)
Speed Up to 39 knots
Deadweight 700 tonnes
Range 630 nm
CLASSIFICATION
Germanischer Lloyd
100 A5, HSC - B OC3 High Speed Passenger / Ro-Ro Type, MC, AUT
