By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Mexican operator Ultramar has taken delivery of City Jet 1 and City Jet 2, two passenger ferries that were designed by Australia-based naval architecture firm Incat Crowther.
Part of a six-vessel newbuild programme, the two 28 metre passenger ferries were built by Midship Marine in Louisiana, US, and will operate across the enclosed lagoon adjacent to Cancun in Mexico, reducing travel times for tourists by up to 70%.
Both vessels’ main decks can accommodate 118 passengers and have sliding doors at both the forward and aft ends of the cabin for ease of access. The aft decks also feature a bathroom, electrical closet, standing room for passengers and space for luggage. Meanwhile, the roof decks have 140 external passenger seats that are equipped with emergency life floats.
The ferries are also fitted with forward and aft hinged boarding ramps on both sides that facilitates rapid loading and unloading. The pilothouse sits on a raised platform, providing good visibility over the bow.
The low-draft vessels are powered by 2 Yanmar 6HYM-WET engines pushing fixed-pitch propellers for a service speed of 22 knots at 85% maximum continuous rating.