The newest 112 metre Incat vessel, Natchan World, destined for service with Japanese operator Higashi Nihon Ferry, is currently undergoing final touches at Incat’s Prince of Wales shipyard prior to beginning sea trials.
Already her four massive 20-cylinder, 9mW engines have been started for the first time and the vessel is completing a series of tests in readiness for sea.
Natchan World’s first departure from the wharf at Prince of Wales Bay was due this morning, before passing under Hobart’s Tasman Bridge after the city’s morning rush hour. The ship will return to the Incat yard for final adjustments to be made during Friday.
On the morning of Saturday 5th April, the Natchan World will depart at around 9am and will head down the river to Storm Bay for a series of sea trials. It is anticipated she will return to the city late that afternoon.
On Sunday 6th April, the ferry will sail again for further sea trials, after which she will return to the shipyard in preparation for a naming and completion ceremony on Tuesday 8th April.
Length overall: 112.60m
Beam (moulded): 30.50m
Draught: approximately 3.93m
Speed: 40 knots
Fuel consumption: <190g/kWh
Deadweight: Up to 1450 tonnes
Total persons: 800 persons
Vehicle Deck: 450 truck-lane metres plus 193 cars or a total of 355 cars.