Incat has secured a newbuilding contract from Spanish ferry operator Naviera Armas for a fast ferry ro-pax worth EUR 74m ($80.8m).
The 109 metre wave piercing catamaran range and will operate in Spanish waters after it is delivered in early 2019.
The design is based on Incat’s slightly larger 112 metre design, which offers similar passenger and vehicle capacity but with substantial performance improvements, including improved speed, lower fuel consumption and enhanced directional stability.
Seeking to present a new concept of fast ferry service in Spain, Naviera Armas is actively investing in high speed craft.
This new vessel will be the third Incat craft to join the Naviera Armas fleet in as many years, following the 98 metre Volcan de Tirajana purchased in 2015 and the 96 metre Volcan de Teno acquired last year.
The first two Incat vessels in the Naviera Armas fleet were purchased after completing service elsewhere in Southern Europe but as Armas CEO Antonio Armas explains, the significant global demand for fast ferries is translating to orders for newbuild tonnage.
“It is very hard to find quality second hand high speed ferries in the market, nevertheless given the performance of the two Incat-built vessels already purchased we are confident the wait for the newbuild 109 metre will be well worth it.
“This new Incat 109 metre will provide a service speed of 35 knots and accommodate 1,200 persons including 155 persons in business class.
“It will also be the first high speed ferry in southern Europe to feature a dual vehicle deck allowing cars and freight to be transported separately.”
Armas says the main deck will have capacity for 595 truck lane metres with a 4.6 metre clear height and the upper deck will accommodate 215 cars.
