Incat Tasmania explains how Buccoo Reef is a highly flexible platform
Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s ferry Buccoo Reef is a modern and attractive solution to carrying passengers, vehicles and cargo across the Caribbean Sea.
Built by Incat Tasmania, the ship has arrived in Trinidad & Tobago, and is due to go into service soon.
Speaking about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the construction of the vessel, Incat chairman Robert Clifford tells Passenger Ship Technology, “Covid-19 did not cause many production problems, although there were a few freight delays, and the end trials and delivery were impacted as we had difficulty securing international installation staff for the main engines, waterjets, navigation equipment and ride control etc. Also, we were not able to send our representatives on the delivery as we would have had great difficulty getting them back home to Australia.”
Mr Clifford adds “Covid-19 is very close to being under control now in Australia, so we do not expect the same issues for our next delivery in July, although international engineers will still have to quarantine.”
The design of the vessel consists of two slender, aluminium hulls connected by a bridging section with a centre bow structure. Each hull is divided into eight vented, watertight compartments divided by transverse bulkheads. Two compartments in each hull are prepared as short-range fuel tanks and one as a long-range fuel tank.
Efficient and environmentally conscious
Buccoo Reef will achieve a top speed of over 40 knots, powered by four MAN 16V 28/33 STC marine diesel engines each rated at 7,280 kW.
Mr Clifford says these “provide efficient and environmentally conscious propulsion”. Thrust vectoring and steerage is served via four Wärtsilä WXJ 1200 SRi waterjets, connected to each engine via four steel and composite shafts and ZF 535000NR2H gearboxes. Four caterpillar C9.3 250 ekW marine, brushless, self-excited generators supply electrical power. 400V, 60 Hertz, three-phase, four-wire distribution with neutral earth allows a 230-V electrical supply using one phase and one neutral.
The catamaran features a NAIAD active ride control system to maximise passenger comfort. This system combines active trim tabs at the stern with a retractable, active-fin T-foil at the bow. “When not required, the T-Foil withdraws behind the latest Incat centre-bow design to maximise speed and efficiency,” says Incat.
The vessel features reverse-cycle air conditioning throughout the passenger cabin, toilets, crew cabins and wheelhouse. The HVAC system can maintain 22°C and 50% relative humidity with a full passenger load and outside temperature of 35°C and 60% humidity.
Situated atop the passenger deck, Buccoo Reef’s wheelhouse features the latest navigation, monitoring and control equipment to enable masters and officers complete control over the vessel. A dedicated docking station, 360° views, remote-release life rafts, MES units and CCTV deliver a high level of safety and control during voyages and docking. The vessel offers views from raised helm seating, with all instruments fitted in dark grey and black consoles to aid night vision and minimise distraction.
A separate ship’s office and lounge is located aft of the bridge where crew can layout charts, plan voyages or relax from day-to-day activities. Ample desk space, a food preparation area with a sink and fridge, television, tables and seating for up to 10 crew is available. Cabin crew are catered for with cabins located in a secluded area aft of the wheelhouse and crew lounge. They come equipped with air conditioning, individual beds, desks, wardrobe, internet access and windows to let in natural light. The ship’s master and chief engineer are afforded individual cabins with private ensuite facilities. The remaining crew share three four-person cabins, a bathroom with shower and two toilet cubicles.
An escape path for the forward lounge, wheelhouse and crew cabins is located on the passenger cabin roof via the wheelhouse stairwell. It provides access to engineering spaces, HVAC systems, antennas, life rafts and service craft without traversing through the main cabin.
The vessel is equipped with four state-of-the-art marine evacuation slides that allow passengers a quick and safe exit from the vessel in the event of an evacuation. Eleven 100-person life rafts and two SOLAS rigid outboard motor-equipped dinghies complete the comprehensive safety package.
Latest technology
The ship can accommodate 995 passengers and crew, 175 truck lane metres, or space for 239 cars on the vehicle and mezzanine decks. A suite of modern features includes a centrally monitored climate control, integrated CCTV, wifi and a highly manoeuvrable and efficient propulsion system that utilises the latest technology.
Vehicles enter via shore-mounted ramps at the stern. Smaller vehicles can make their way up to the mezzanine decks via articulated ramps on both the port and starboard side. Trucks and large vehicles can park along the centreline with additional cars under the mezzanine decks.
“The use of extensive lighting and openings at the foredeck and stern provide a high degree of natural light and air movement through the vehicle deck,” says Mr Clifford.
To prevent tyre skid, a low maintenance and durable bead-blast coating has been applied to deck surfaces. All vertical structural steel members are painted bright yellow so obstructions to vehicles or passenger movement are easily spotted and avoided.
Foot passengers can access the passenger space via fully enclosed and fire protected staircases forward and aft. A passenger lift at the stern allows passengers effortless access to the passenger cabin via the promenade deck.
“The passenger cabin, which spans a single deck, has an abundance of natural light and a clean, functional appearance. All passenger areas feature high-quality carpet, durable timber-look finish walkways, stainless steel fittings and tasteful wall panelling. An eclectic mix of blue, red, green, orange and yellow seating evokes a friendly Caribbean feel for all travellers,” says Incat.
The passenger cabin offers a flexible single, double, triple and quadruple seating and tables where travellers can use televisions for onboard entertainment or enjoy the passing scenery.
Incat says VIP passengers accommodated in the forward cabin are treated to “stunning views” of the voyage ahead through expansive use of glass across the bow and forward quarters. A mix of elm and glacier walls, deep blue coral carpet, and wood-look finish walkways enhance the space for travellers. A private, centrally located bar provides refreshments. It features stainless steel and glass tabletops, two large fridge/freezer units, a coffee machine and plenty of space to display drinks, food and brochures. Passengers can use toilets that feature a mix of quartz countertops, elm panelling and grey vinyl flooring. Fittings include motion-activated tapware, soap dispensers and hygienic air-blade hand dryers.
Incat says that passengers travelling amidships have access to a “well-lit and spacious full-breadth cabin. It features extensive use of green and red airline-style seating port and starboard and rich mango upholstered individual bucket seats and tables on centreline”. A large kiosk, food preparation area and bar provide food and drink, with stainless steel and glass cabinets to display hot and cold meals, drinks and desserts.
“A wide corridor around each counter allows customers easy viewing and access, reducing crowding and long lines,” says Mr Clifford.
Passengers travelling in the aft lounge have a choice of twin, triple or quadruple airline-style lounges and individual bucket seating. Toilets with up to six cubicles reduce the likelihood of queues. Ambulant or wheelchair-bound travellers are provided easy access to the cabin via a port side lift, four seating bays and an accessible toilet which doubles as a mother’s room.
There is also promenade deck seating at the stern.
The purser’s office, located in the forward lounge, controls the public announcement and entertainment system. A full-width desk and two chairs enable crewmembers to conduct electronic communication to all passengers.
To aid in the delivery of passengers who require medical attention, a patient transport area is provided amidships on the passenger deck. Reduced-height walls, large roller-door access and an obstruction-free floor space allow easy access for multiple patient trollies and a steady flow of fresh air to occupants.
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