By
Laura Hyde |
Abu Dhabi Ports Group has appointed Incat Crowther to design and deliver two new ro-pax catamaran ferries, which will be built by Singapore’s Penguin Shipyard International. The new vessels will replace two older ferries in the Abu Dhabi Ports Group fleet and will be able to transport up to 194 passengers and 25 vehicles.
The newbuilds will be specifically designed to service a 42-kilometre route between Delma Island and Jebel Dhanna on the United Arab Emirates mainland and will be powered by four MTU engines and Kamewa 71 S-4 waterjets.
The vessels will have a single passenger deck with two large viewing areas at the bow and stern, two cafés, five bathrooms, and a children’s playroom, as well as space for eight passengers in wheelchairs. There will also be a VIP room accommodating up to eight passengers. Ample luggage and cargo spaces have also been included, while the vessels’ vehicle deck has been designed to allow for quick embarkation and disembarkation.
“This exciting project will see Incat Crowther’s team of digital shipbuilders and naval architects working closely with Penguin Shipyard International and Abu Dhabi Ports Group to deliver two, state-of-the-art, tailored passenger vehicles ferries,” said Ed Dudson, Incat Crowther’s managing director for Europe. “Incat Crowther’s experience in delivering tailored, efficient and customer-focused ro-pax ferries to operators around the world meant we have been well placed to deliver on Abu Dhabi Port Group’s brief to deliver two high-quality, operationally efficient ferries. The two vessels are now under construction in Penguin’s Batam shipyard and we’re looking forward to trials taking place next year.”