Thailand-based SeaCat Ships has begun construction on a new inter-island aluminium catamaran ferry for a local owner.
The vessel is being built in response to the owner's need for a high-performance, fuel-efficient catamaran that can accommodate 150 passengers at medium cruise speeds of 22 to 25 knots.
SeaCat said the vessel will be suitable for offshore services and will be able to run smoothly in rough conditions, thanks to the deep vee hulls and aero foil mini keels that will ensure improved tracking in following seas.
Once completed, the vessel will have an LOA of 22.1 metres, a beam of seven metres, a draught of 1.75 metres, and two John Deere 484kW engines that will deliver a maximum speed of 27 knots.
The vessel is designed to Australian NSCV Class 1B requirements.
