By
Rebecca Gibson |
Australia-based naval architecture company Incat Crowther is to design a catamaran passenger ferry that will be operated by Dolphin Shipping in Korea.
Incat Crowther will work with Korean shipbuilder Khan Co. to develop the construction capability for aluminium high-speed light vessel, ensuring she complies with the International Maritime Organization’s High-Speed Craft Code and local Korean Register of Shipping regulations.
Tentatively named Dolphin 3, the 65-metre-long ferry will operate between Pohang in mainland Korea and the island of Ulleung-do, becoming first locally built high-speed ferry on the route.
The ferry will accommodate 710 passengers on two decks and will feature a main deck with a kiosk, luxury seating, multiple wheelchair spaces, luggage racks and a crew accommodation module. Meanwhile, the upper deck will have a pair of four-person VIP rooms – one port and the other starboard – which will be fitted with first class seating and offer enhanced visibility.
Dolphin 3 will also have a wheelhouse with 360-degree visibility on her third deck, as well as oversized boarding points at her aft and mid-ship to expedite passenger boarding processes. The ferry will be powered by quad 3,700-kilowatt main engines driving Rolls-Royce Kamewa S80-4 waterjets, allowing her to operate at a service speed of 39.5 knots. This will reduce journey times by an hour, compared to the vessel currently operating on the route.