Ocean Master,a new 32-metre aluminium catamaran designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Austal Philippines, has successfully completed sea trials and is now enroute to Perth, Australia where it will join Rottnest Fast Ferries’ growing fleet. Commissioned by Rottnest Fast Ferries earlier in 2024 with the target of entering service before Christmas, Ocean Master is now ready to deliver a world-class customer experience during the peak tourism season.
The vessel, with a capacity of 400 passengers and five crew across three decks, will allow Rottnest Fast Ferries to optimise its operational efficiency while providing an elevated passenger experience. Ocean Master features spacious seating arrangements, a flexible configuration to accommodate wheelchair users, extensive luggage and bicycle storage areas, a large bar and kiosk, and five bathrooms, including an accessible facility.
Designed to complete the 30-kilometre journey from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island in just 45 minutes, Ocean Master is powered by two 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, achieving an operating speed of 25 knots.
The vessel’s design and construction process saw close collaboration between Incat Crowther, Austal Philippines and Rottnest Fast Ferries, to ensure Ocean Master meets all operational and regulatory requirements, while achieving an precise design and construction schedule.
Dan Mace, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther said: “Successfully achieving design, construction, sea trials, delivery and operation in less a year is a great outcome for all involved. This vessel has been truly customised for Rottnest Fast Ferries. It’s a testament to the project team that we have been able to complete this project successfully and on-time. We are delighted to see it ready to enter service.”
Luke Crispin and James Mulholland, Directors of Rottnest Fast Ferries said: “We’re thrilled this vessel has been completed so quickly and will enter service in time to help meet demand during our busiest period of the year. Incat Crowther and the project team were attentive and responsive throughout and we couldn’t be happier with the process and the final result. Ocean Master will deliver a first-class experience for passengers travelling to Rottnest Island and we are excited to have it in service this summer.”
Incat Crowther’s collaborative design and delivery process involved working closely with Austal Philippines during construction. This collaboration, which saw Incat Crowther provide accurate and timely guidance to the shipbuilder, ensured a prompt and on-time build schedule for the vessel.
President of Austal Asia, Wayne Murray said “The Austal Philippines team has delivered this impressive new catamaran in less than 12 months – exceeding expectations for productivity, while maintaining the highest construction standards and product quality,” Mr Murray said.
To find out more about Incat Crowther’s work in designing bespoke passenger ferries, visit –www.incatcrowther.com/ships/ferries.
Specifications
Ship Description – 32m Catamaran Passenger Ferry
Ship Name – Ocean Master
Design Number – IC23171
Status – In Service
Construction Material – Marine grade aluminium
Principal Dimensions
Platform – Catamaran
Length Overall – 32.0m
Length Waterline – 31.5m
Beam – 10.3m
Draft Hull – 1.41m
Depth – 3.0m
Capacities
Passengers – 400
Crew – 5
Fuel – 7 400 litres
Fresh Water – 2 500 litres
Sullage – 2 790 litres
Propulsion and Performance
Service Speed – 25.0 knots
Maximum Speed – 28.0 knots
Main Engines – 2 x MAN D2862
Installed Power – 2 x 1029kW @ 2100rpm
Propulsion – 2 x Fixed-pitch propellers
Regulatory
Flag – Australia
Class – NSCV 1C/1D
