Incat offers smaller electric ferry alongside its flagship

Innovative Tasmanian ferry manufacturer Incat Tasmania has new plans for a smaller version of its first-to-market large aluminium zero emission catamaran ferry.

With the world’s largest lightweight battery electric ferry with a capacity to carry more than 2,000 passengers and 225 vehicles already under construction, founder Robert Clifford has announced plans to make zero emission battery electric vessels more readily available for the world.

In January Argentine company Buquebus ordered what will be Incat’s first-ever electric aluminium catamaran design – a 148 metre long catamaran ‘utility Ro-Pax’ design.

Clifford said: “Boeing was able to do it with aircraft over the last 100 years, and we are working on an expansion plan to enable the Incat Shipyard to produce multiple battery electric vessels each year.

“We are offering the global ferry market options for series produced vessels both small and large just like Boeing did with the mass produced 737 and Airbus did with the larger Airbus 380.

“Our shipyard is ideally placed to produce multiple smaller 70 metre vessels as well as a larger vessel over 140 metres every year.”

Clifford launched the first design of a series produced 70 metre ship at the Interferry conference in Hobart, which coincided with an inspection tour of the company’s shipyard.

Clifford said: “Incat will build these ships to its trademark high-quality design and every customer will have the ability to create their own statement with each vessel through internal fixtures, fittings and design.

“Our plan to double the workforce is underway and I anticipate that over the next couple of years we will have more than 1,000 workers on site.”

Clifford said battery electric propulsion coupled with lightweight aluminium constructed ships on shorter sea routes would be the ideal choice to cut emissions.

“Our plan is to revolutionise the world shipping industry once again by delivering more zero emission ships more efficiently than anyone else. This will benefit ferry owners, their customers, and importantly, our environment.”

Further reading:
Incat sells first electric passenger and vehicle ferry

Picture: Incat Tasmania