MarineLog is reporting tests of a 99 meter catamaran ferry, built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania, that reportedly made 58.1 knots while fueled with Liquefied Natural Gas. It is claimed to be “…the world’s first dual fuel high speed ferry to operate on LNG as its primary fuel, and the fastest, environmentally cleanest, most efficient, high speed ferry in the world.”
“The vessel’s high speed can be attributed to the combination of Incat wave piercing catamaran design, the use of lightweight, strong marine grade aluminum, and the power produced by the two 22MW GE LM2500 gas turbines driving Wartsila LJX 1720 SR waterjets.”
“Incat has built 25 High Speed Craft over 5,000 gross tonnes with a top speed in excess of 45 knots.”
The similarities to the Navy’s new JHSV and China’s much smaller type 022 missile boat are apparent.
Incidentally, in spite of the advanced hull form, this still takes a lot of power, two 22MW GE LM2500 turbines equates to over 59,000 shaft horsepower, so its going to use a lot of fuel.
