By
Alex Smith |
Tanzinian ferry operator Azam Marine has taken delivery of Kilimanjaro VIII, a new 53-metre passenger ferry designed by Incat Crowther and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart, Australia.
Kilimanjaro VIII is the 11th vessel designed by Incat Crowther for Azam Marine and the eighth built by Richardson Devine Marine. The ferry is larger than its predecessor, Kilimanjaro VII, and can transport up to 620 passengers at speeds of more than 30 knots.
The vessel's main deck has capacity for 340 passengers and features a kiosk area, and five bathrooms. The mid-deck cabin seats 56 VIP-class passengers and 16 Royal-class passengers in fully lie-flat seats, along with an additional 200 economy passengers and four bathrooms. The ferry's luggage room can house up to 10 tonnes of luggage and cargo.
Kilimanjaro VIII will feature Azam Marine's parallel boarding system, which uses five ramps per side to load passengers and cargo in segregated flows. It will also introduce a reverse-bow hull configuration, a first for the operator’s fleet.
“This project represents another milestone in our long and successful collaboration with Azam Marine and Richardson Devine Marine and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Azam to evolve and expand their fleet,” said Brett Crowther, CEO of Incat Crowther. “The delivery of Kilimanjaro VIII in Tanzania will re-affirm Azam Marine’s position as the country’s leading passenger ferry service.”
The vessel is now sailing to Tanzania, where it will enter service shortly after arrival.