Incat Crowther launches new generation tour vessel
Incat Crowther announced the launch of Harbour Master, a new generation of tour vessel to operating on Tasmania’s picturesque Macquarie Harbour. Developed in collaboration with World Heritage Cruises, the 220-passenger, 35-metre catamaran combines the operator’s layout and propulsion concepts with Incat Crowther’s naval architecture expertise, Incat Crowther said Wednesday.
Harbour Master leverages the experience of 6 previous Incat Crowther-designed vessels which WHC have operated on Macquarie Harbour and creates an excellent experience for visitors to the world Heritage listed area.
Passengers enter the main deck cabin through a large central passageway, serviced by ladies and gents toilets, forward of which is a large, well-designed food preparation area and bar. Serveries are located just aft of the passenger seating for service of the operator’s famous lunch buffet. 136 passengers are seated forward of this, in a mixture of forward-facing and booth configurations.
The mid deck, which seats 82 passengers, is serviced by a pair of services supported by a dumb waiter. This allows mid-deck passengers served lunch in-suit, reducing the load on the main deck facilities.
Stairs on the starboard side of the vessel lead down to a children’s playroom.
The upper deck has a large open area for standing passengers, as well as the wheelhouse, which is recessed into the deck below to create a sleek appearance.
All seats are fitted at a large pitch for extra leg room and to allow good passenger circulation, whilst deep windows give the cabins an open, airy feel and increase visibility of the surroundings.
Harbour Master is defined by its use of an advanced propulsion package, consisting of four 850hp Scania main engines, driving a quartet of Sea Fury surface piercing drives. The propulsion system has excelled in sea trials, on the vessel’s delivery trip and in service. In trials, she achieved a speed of 34 knots. In service, with a full complement, Harbour Master is easily achieving a service speed of 30 knots at moderate engine speeds. As well as excellent efficiency, the propulsion gives the vessel redundancy and a low draft.
Belrose, Australia headquartered Incat Crowther with offices in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA and Southampton, UK. The company specializes in marine engineering design and building of monohull, catamaran and trimaran vessels made of composite, aluminium and steel for commercial, recreational, military and passenger sectors.
