Incat Crowther to design catamaran bound for Tanzania

Incat Crowther said “Kilimanjaro VIII will continue to use the operator’s trademark parallel boarding system, where five ramps per side load passenger and cargo in segregated flows. VIP and Royal-class passengers board into a discreet stair tower directly to the upper deck cabin, while economy passengers load separately aft and midships. The fifth ramp is dedicated to luggage trolley movements. This well-proven boarding system ensures passenger classes and luggage trolleys remain separated, reducing turnaround time and improving safety, while providing exclusivity for premium passengers.”

The new design will carry a total of 654 passengers, seating 340 passengers in its main deck economy cabin while the mid-deck cabin seats 36 VIP passengers and 12 Royal-class passengers in full lie-flat seats. The remainder of the mid-deck seats 266 economy passengers. The luggage room houses up to 10 tonnes of luggage and cargo, while IMO HSC code-compliant stability enhances its safety credentials.

Incat Crowther said “Kilimanjaro VIII will feature a modern evolution of the fleet’s style, with an edginess to its lines and a long, sleek profile. Combined with the introduction of a reverse-bow hull configuration, the vessel offers passengers a state-of-the-art ride. The vessel will be powered by a pair of Cummins QSK95-M main engines. These will be rated to deliver more power to carry the increased payload over Kilimanjaro VII, which was the first fast passenger vessel to utilise this configuration.

“The large twin-engine solution is an effective way of providing more speed and low fuel burn while avoiding the through-life cost and complexity of a four-engine power train.”

Incat Crowther said that engineroom accessibility is improved over a four-engine arrangement, and maintenance and operational requirements are reduced.

Kilimanjaro VIII will be the 11th Incat Crowther-designed vessel for the operator and the eighth built by Tasmanian builder Richardson Devine Marine.