Ardea, a 20-meter catamaran crew transfer and support vessel, was delivered to Cape Preston in Western Australia earlier in 2019, Australian marine engineering design company Incat Crowther announced.
Built by Echo Marine Group, the Incat Crowther 20 design has proven speed, robustness and seakeeping capabilities beyond its size, said a press release from the naval architect and engineering services firm.
With twin Cummins QSK19s, each producing 597kW at 2,100rpm and twin Kamewa S45-3 waterjets it reaches a maximum speed of 25 knots. Its performance is owed to a hull form based on Incat Crowther’s proven crew transfer vessels operating all over the world.
Ardea works as a support vessel for the Cape Preston Sino Iron Project.This project involves Transhipment of premium magnetite concentrate from a land-based pipeline to offshore oceangoing vessels. Operating in this environment includes many unique challenges.
The operation sees frequent heavy weather developed from large Southern Ocean swell. In the first 6 months of operation through the winter season it has successfully handled these conditions at cruise speeds of over 22 knots, Incat Crowther said.
The vessel is protected from magnetite residue by fine grade filters over all ventilation ducts. Shower and toilets are accessible from the aft deck, expanded mesh grating is installed over recessed decks and a shoe cover dispenser is provided for entry to the main cabin. Exterior seating is provided for up to 10 passengers with lightweight awning for weather protection, enabling ease of cleaning and maintenance.
The forward mounted superstructure accommodates 21 passengers and a small galley for refreshments. The aft deck passenger accommodation includes storage locations for eskys and rubbish bins. The hulls include berths for four crew, accessible via stairs from the main deck cabin. Upstairs a full height wheelhouse offers great visibility for operations.