“Dong Hai Lu Dai” was launched in December 2008, with excellent performance results. The 41.6 metre Sea Cat accommodates 400 passengers and features the super efficient “deep vee” hull. She is a custom designed, high passenger capacity commuter ferry for service in Shanghai waterways.
Almost 300 passengers fit on the lower deck with comfortable seating arrangements and generous seat pitch as well as extra wide companionways. This area has a large servery/bar and the wash rooms are away from the seating. The upper deck is for 100 VIP passengers in a spacious saloon with three separate exclusive lounge rooms and boardrooms, featuring the latest in flat screen TVs and music systems. Powered by the twin MTU 12v 4000 engines (1740kw) and MJP 650 waterjets combination, the full loaded speed is over 31 knots.
Tank testing of the new hull in the Tasmania’s AMC (Australian Maritime College) towing tank, were the latest in a series of these tests carried out and were very successful. The model was tested up to 42 knots, giving the option for higher speed Fast Ferry’s and Crew Boat options.
The designers and naval architects have been concentrating on the mid-speed, high performance and fuel economy segment of the market in the 25-35 knot speed range. They appeal to the thrifty boat operator with lower capital cost, due to smaller engines and propulsion systems, low operating costs and low emissions whilst operating. The environmental impact is very low per passenger nautical mile
The standard of construction is high and to CCS (China Classification Society) standards. LR (Lloyds Register) or most other international standards are also available. The standard of this end product Fast Ferry is of export quality.
