The Abu Dhabi Ports Group has commissioned Penguin Shipyard International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Penguin International Limited, and leading digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther to design and deliver two new 56-metre Ro-Pax catamaran passenger and vehicle ferries. The new vessels will be built by Penguin International in Indonesia and are capable of transporting up to 194 passengers and 25 vehicles.
Replacing two older vessels in the Abu Dhabi Ports Group fleet, the new vessels will service Delma Island from Jebel Dhanna on the UAE mainland – a 42-kilometre route. Powered by four MTU Engines and Kamewa 71 S-4 waterjets, the new vessels are designed specifically for local environmental conditions. Capable of travelling at a service speed of 35 knots, the vessels are designed to deliver a seamless, safe and convenient customer experience.
The vessels’ air-conditioned passenger deck boasts spacious seating on a single passenger deck and provides space for eight wheelchair passengers while two large viewing areas are located at the bow and stern. A VIP room for eight passengers, two cafés, five bathrooms, and a kids’ playroom are also located on the passenger deck to ensure the vessels service the needs of every passenger. Ample luggage and cargo spaces have also been included throughout both the passenger and vehicle decks.
The vessels’ vehicle deck has been designed for operational efficiency and will allow for quick roll-on and roll-off operations. The elevated wheelhouse provides the ship’s captain with excellent lines of sight while the bridge deck also features a crew mess and toilet for each of the vessel’s 10 crew.
Commenting on the project, Incat Crowther’s Managing Director, Europe, Ed Dudson said, “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.”
“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,” said Mr Dudson.
“The two vessels are now under construction in Penguin’s Batam shipyard and we’re looking forward to trials taking place next year,” said Mr Dudson.