Incat Crowther, a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm, has designed a state-of-the-art 24-metre passenger fast ferry for Caribbean operator Smith’s Ferry Services. Built by Aluminium Marine in Brisbane, Australia, the new ferry is designed to transport 149 passengers at speeds of up to 28 knots and will operate on the busy Charlotte Amalie (U.S. Virgin Islands) to Road Town (British Virgin Islands) tourism route.
Designed with operational flexibility and an enhanced customer experience in mind, the main deck is capable of transporting 118 passengers in air-conditioned comfort and boasts a large service kiosk, two bathrooms and luggage space. The ferry has also been designed to be handicap accessible and has two spaces for people with wheelchairs on its main deck.
The vessel’s upper deck features premium outdoor seating for 40 passengers as well as protected storage boxes for luggage. The vessel’s wheelhouse provides the vessel’s captain with an excellent line of sight ensuring safe operations in almost any sea conditions.
The vessel is powered by two MAN 2862 LE454 EPA Tier 3 compliant diesel engines rated for 588 kilowatts (kW) in a continuous duty application allowing for dependable speed performance, reduced maintenance intervals and increased time between overhauls.
Rikky Baynes, Operations Manager at Smith’s Ferry Services said: “We required a vessel that not only delivered a premium customer experience, but one that was also operationally efficient and tailored to the sea state conditions we experience on the Caribbean Sea.”
“Incat Crowther has delivered on this brief by designing a vessel that will provide a step change in comfort and operational reliability for people travelling between the US and British Virgin Islands,” said Mr Baynes.
Speaking after the vessel’s delivery, Grant Pecoraro, Incat Crowther’s US Managing Director said the project saw Incat Crowther work closely with operator Smith’s Ferry Services through the design and build of the new ferry.
“This new vessel will provide a step change in comfort and operational reliability to tourists visiting the US and British Virgin Islands, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support Smith’s Ferry Services in their efforts to enhance their fleet,” said Mr Pecoraro.
The new vessel has been built to comply with both the US Coast Guard’s Subchapter T requirements and the Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) Code allowing it to operate in Caribbean waters.
The vessel was transported via ship from Australia to the US Virgin Islands and entered service earlier this year.
