Incat Crowther to design aluminium high speed passenger ferry

Incat Crowther has reportedly bagged a contract to design an aluminium-made high speed passenger ro-pax ferry that will operate between Pingtan Island in mainland China and Taiwanese cities of Taichung, Taipei, and Kaohsiung by Fujian Strait Shipping Co (CSF). The construction of the vessel will be done by AFAI Southern Shipyard with the use of marine grade aluminium.

AFAI Southern Shipyard, located at Guangzhou, is the largest-scale and advanced manufacturer of jumbo aluminium alloy ships at present in China or even Southeast Asia.

The ferry will have two vehicle decks capable of carrying 230 cars and 42 containers.

The resiliently mounted passenger cabin that will include both the economy and business class will have a seating area for 1000, and will come with amenities like a duty-free store, café and mahjong room.

The 113-metre vehicle will be powered by four MTU 20V8000 M71L main engines, each producing 9100kW @ 1150rpm. Propulsion is provided by four Rolls Royce water jets, with power transmission via ZF gearboxes, and auxiliary power by Caterpillar gensets.

Incat Crowther has expanded cooperation with China’s leading aluminium shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard.The Fujian Strait Shipping Co (CSF) vessel will be the largest aluminium ship built in China, and when in operation, will promote the further cross Taiwanese Strait public and economic exchange.