Feature 3 | HIGH-SPEED VESSELS


A dedicated bar, fi nished with wood


panelling and glass counter top and fl anked on both sides by leather upholstered Beurteaux Ocean Freeboard loungers, can also be found in this area.


Crew comfort The wheelhouse onboard Natchan World provides 360deg visibility for the offi cers over the top of the aerodynamic superstructure, while an aft-facing docking console and CCTV monitors negate the need for bridge wings with their associated windage and weight. However, berthing stations have been provided for the customer, below on tier 3. Consistent with all Incat vessels, the


bridge is fi tted with the latest in electronic, navigation, and communication equipment to comply with the High Speed Craſt Code. T ere are three forward facing adjustable seats around the centre line, the captain sitting in the centre, with the fi rst offi cer to starboard and the chief engineer to port. Throughout the vessel colour LCD


flat screens enables seated passengers to view safety messages, DVD/video programs, and input from the electronic chart system.


Decks and livery The sheer size of the main vehicle deck on tier 1 is unlike earlier vessels, as it is


completely devoid of mezzanine decks. Incat’s first ‘double deck’ vehicle carrier has an internal ramp which leads above to a dedicated full length car deck on tier 2, leaving the main deck free for high sided vehicles with a load of 12tonnes per axle. There is space for 450m of freight at 3.1m wide and 4.35m clear height plus 193 cars at 4.5m length by 2.3m wide. If the vessel was to be filled entirely with cars, then up to 355 vehicles may be shipped. Hobart-based company Colbeck &


Gunton supplied the lightweight structural fire protection system aboard Natchan World including fi re doors and dampers. To protect all moderate and high risk spaces the ‘rapid access’ (deckhead) and ‘lightweight’ (bulkhead) fi re protection system meets all the demands for lighter weight and faster installation/removal for this type of craſt . An addressable fire detection system,


CCTV cameras, zoned fire sprinkler systems, and hydrants protect vehicle decks and also, of course, the passenger areas and enginerooms. Externally, the craft is beautifully


adorned with a colourful livery the design of which was publicly sought in Japan. The theme was ‘parade’, with over 500 children under 12 years old


responding to the call for the ferry’s colourful look. Mr Toshikazu Yamaoka, an artist living in Kyoto, chose ‘lovely creatures’ and integrated them into the livery.


Technical installation The environmentally progressive Natchan World is powered by four MAN 20V 28/33D diesel engines, each rated 9000kW at 1000rev/min and delivering a low weight when compared to other engines in its class. The advantages of engine durability,


efficiency, low noise, and low maintenance costs make it the engine of choice for Incat vessels, not least of all impressive fuel consumption, burning less kg per cargo tonne per hour than any other high speed catamaran, it is claimed. The latest combustion chamber


technology with electronically controlled pump


pipe injection system and


optimised cylinder pressures, reduces specific fuel consumption to <190g/ kWh. At almost a 7% reduction per kWh over the previous generation of medium- speed diesel engines this represents a massive saving on annual fuel bills. The vessel is also environmentally compliant with low NOx of <10g/kWh. The ferry is fitted with four of the


largest transmissions from ZF Marine GmbH, the ZF 60000 NR2H, each with maximum rated power of 12,387kW. Special technical solutions were required to satisfy the engine room layout and the demand for the highest reliability. The transmission had to be matched to the interface provided and the ZF solution was an excellent compromise with low weight and small dimensions. Engine power is converted to


Spacious executive class group seating, located on tier 4. 42


propulsion thrust through a new design of waterjet from Wärtsilä. The new LJX waterjet offers, in comparison with other waterjets available today, a 25% reduction in mounting flange diameter, a 10% overall weight reduction and a 35% increase in cavitation margin. It comes with a 1500 mm diameter impeller and an inboard layout for steering and reversing hydraulics. A substantial weight saving has been achieved through the use of


Ship & Boat International September/October 2008


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