Incat Crowther is pleased to announce that a fourth 24m catamaran ferry has been delivered to Captain Cook Cruises. Built by Richardson Devine Marine, Violet McKenzie joins Elizabeth Cook, Mary Reibey and Anabelle Rankin plying the waters of Sydney Harbour.
The new-generation of vessel has proven a hit on the harbor, with a unique combination of robustness and efficiency. Operating in the Sydney Ferries network, the vessels operate in both the low wash / shallow water zones on the Parramatta River and across Sydney Heads to Manly. Their reduced running costs make them an ideal stand-by vessel when larger capacities are not required, giving their owner a commercial advantage.Violet McKenzie features a passenger capacity of 198 with an optimized blend of interior and exterior spaces. The vessel is certified to carry 127 passengers in 1C coastal operation and 198 passengers in 1D/1E harbour operation. She is the first vessel in operation on Sydney Harbour which is fully AMSA compliant for Fast Craft II, demonstrating Incat Crowther’s expertise in regulatory matters.
The design of the vessel focuses strongly on operational efficiency and safety. Large hinged engine hatches provide ample access to the engine rooms to simplify day-to-day maintenance tasks, whilst the wheelhouse has been optimized for visibility over the boarding areas.
Violet McKenzie is powered by a pair of Scania DI13 070M main engines. The vessel cruises efficiently at 25 knots, with a top speed of 27 knots.
Continuing the tradition of honouring pioneering women in New South Wales, Violet McKenzie is a nod to Australia’s first female electrical engineer.
Incat Crowther continues to evolve and improve this new-generation of vessel, which offers a unique blend of cutting edge design, low fuel consumption and robustness.