VESSEL REVIEW | Indomal Empire – Indonesian-built catamaran ferry to operate on Malacca Strait

Cahaya Samudra Shipyard in Indonesia recently delivered a new catamaran ferry to local operator Indomal Express.

The all-aluminium Indomal Empire was designed in compliance to Bureau Veritas class rules as well as local regulations to facilitate the transport of a maximum of 255 passengers across the Malacca Strait between Indonesia and Malaysia. The newbuild was specifically developed to cater to a segment of the market demanding lower ticket prices and subsequently less complex and yet still very capable vessels.

Indomal Empire has an LOA of 30.9 metres, a beam of 8.5 metres, and a maximum draught of 1.8 metres. Two MAN D2862 LE483 1,066kW main engines driving fixed-pitch propellers via ZF 3050 gearboxes to deliver a speed of 30 knots. Power for the onboard electronics is supplied by two Perkins 80kVA generators.

The ferry has a functional layout of forward-facing seats over two decks and is outfitted to a high standard. Midship entry doors on the main deck provide a central boarding position in direct proximity to the stairs leading to the upper deck. Luggage racks are fitted in this area as well as in the forward end of the cabin. Large deck hatches at the midship boarding doors provide access to hull compartments dedicated to luggage storage.

The main deck seats 207 and has three toilet aft. The upper deck meanwhile is full-beam and affords excellent visibility around the wheelhouse and to the sides. Up to 48 passengers can be accommodated in this area, which also comes equipped with a single toilet aft. A collection of outboard seats are provided with tables.

Although operated by an Indonesia-based company, Indomal Empire sails under the Malaysian flag.

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