Water taxis hit high speeds on sea trials

All four of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago's 41 m Austal-designed and built high speed passenger ferries achieved a trial speed above the contract requirement during recent sea trials.

Designed to carry 405 passengers at speeds of more than 37 knots, the aluminum vessels are intended to help reduce road congestion in Trinidad and Tobago by establishing a water taxi service between San Fernando and Port of Spain in southwest Trinidad.

"Austal continually seeks improvements in hull efficiency to achieve an optimum balance between passenger comfort, speed and efficiency over the required loading conditions and maneuverability," said Austal Chief Operating Officer Andrew Bellamy. said the sea was testament to the company's proven design and construction techniques. "These vessels demonstrate our commitment to this, and to ensuring our customers are delivered a product that either meets or exceeds their expectations."

Austal's design is based on its 41 m catamaran platform, two of which have been successfully operating in Norway with OVDS since 2003.

Passenger seating onboard each vessel is split over two levels, with the main passenger deck featuring four passenger entry points, a central kiosk and dedicated baggage compartment and bike racks.

The vessels are powered by four MTU 16V2000 M72 engines driving Kamewa waterjets and are fitted with Austal Ride Control to ensure passenger comfort.

The vessels are being constructed at Austal's Australian facilities and will be transported to Trinidad and Tobago via heavy lift ships.

Vessel Specifications

Length Overall - 41.2 m

Length Waterline - 38.2 m

Beam Molded - 10.9 m

Hull Depth Molded - 4.3 m

Hull Draft - up to 2.0 m with ride control fitted

Passengers - 405

Crew - 8

Fuel - 7,500 liters

Engine - 4 x MTU 16V2000 M72

Gearbox - 4 x Reintjes VLJ730 HL/HR

Waterjets - 4 x Kamewa 56A3

Service Speed - approx 37 knots

Classification - Det Norske Veritas, X1A1 HSLC Passenger R2 EO Passenger A