A new fast catamaran has been delivered to an operator in Greece's Saronic Islands while new tour boats have entered service with operators in New South Wales in Australia and China's Yangtze River. Also, an order has been placed for a new hybrid ferry that will serve a vital short-distance route in the US state of Maine.
Tour RIB delivered to Australian operator
Australian tour operator Out of the Blue Adventures recently took delivery of a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) built by Yamba Welding and Engineering.
The Naiad-designed Into the Blue measures 11.3 metres long and is powered by two Yamaha V8 outboards. The electronics suite includes a Garmin radar.
The new RIB will be operated on excursions out of Byron Bay in New South Wales.
Greece's Attica welcomes first catamaran in series
Greek operator the Attica Group has expended its fleet of fast catamaran vessels with the acquisition of a newbuild supplied by Norwegian shipyard Brødrene Aa.
Aero 1 Highspeed is the first in a series of three catamarans ordered by Attica for deployment by its Superfast Ferries brand in the waters off the Saronic Islands.
The catamaran has an LOA of 36 metres, a beam of 9.7 metres, and capacity for 150 passengers. Facilities include space for bicycles and an air-conditioned kennel for pets.
Electric sightseeing vessel enters service with China's Wuhan Liji Group
China's the Wuhan Liji Ferry Group has begun operational sailings of a new all-electric sightseeing vessel designed for use on the Yangtze River.
Liji 01 has an LOA of 46.2 metres, a moulded beam of 11 metres, and capacity for 202 passengers. Ten lithium batteries with a total output of 1,440 kWh drive two podded thrusters to deliver a speed of just under 10 knots.
The vessel was built in compliance to China Classification Society rules.
Maine Department of Transportation orders hybrid ferry from Rhode Island shipyard
The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded Senesco Marine of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, a contract for the construction of a new Ro-Pax ferry.
The Gilbert Associates-designed, 154-foot (47-metre) vessel will have a hybrid electric propulsion system that will enable either all-electric sailing mode or electric boost mode for higher speeds.
The yet unnamed vessel will operate on the DOT's Maine State Ferry Service route between the towns of Rockland and Vinalhaven in Knox County. The route is currently being served by its earlier sister, Capt Richard G Spear.
