VESSEL REVIEW | Kilimanjaro VIII – Fast catamaran ferry for Tanzania’s Azam Marine

Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) of Hobart, Australia, recently handed over a new catamaran ferry to Azam Marine of Tanzania.

The 53- by 12.5-metre Kilimanjaro VIII is the eighth vessel built by RDM for the same customer. Design work was undertaken by an Australian naval architecture firm in compliance with Tanzanian flag, AMSA NSCV 1C, and DNV class requirements.

The all-aluminium vessel is larger than its predecessor, Kilimanjaro VII, and is capable of transporting up to 654 passengers at speeds in excess of 37 knots, though a service of 34 knots will form part of the vessel's regular operating profile. A draught of only 1.5 metres meanwhile allows easy transits through coastal harbour channels throughout the country.

The newbuild features Azam Marine's signature parallel boarding system, whereby five ramps on either side of the vessel will be able to load passengers and cargo in segregated flows. VIP and business class passengers will board into a discreet stair tower directly to the upper deck cabin, whilst economy passengers will load separately aft and amidships. A fifth ramp will be dedicated to luggage trolley movements.

The designer said the boarding system will ensure passenger classes and luggage trolleys remain separated, reducing turnaround time and improving safety, whilst providing exclusivity for premium passengers.

The catamaran will seat 340 passengers in its main deck economy cabin, which also has five kiosks, whilst the mid-deck cabin will accommodate 36 VIP passengers and 12 business class passengers in full lie-flat seats as well as four toilets. The remainder of the mid-deck will accommodate 266 economy passengers.

The luggage room can meanwhile house up to 10 tonnes of luggage and cargo.

Kilimanjaro VIII, which also has IMO HSC code-compliant stability, is powered by two Cummins QSK95-M main engines that each produce 2,983 kW at 1,800 rpm and drive Kongsberg KaMeWa 80-S4 waterjets. Power for the onboard systems is supplied by two Cummins 6-CP 136DM/5 generators.

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