North West Bay Ships promises ferry operators important environmental gains with its 55m aluminium fast trimaran which has been designed for better sea keeping, fuel economy and less wake. The vessel is powered by three MTU 4000 series engines and is 25 per cent cheaper to operate than similar vessels that normally need four engines.

The main design focus had been better efficiency rather than trying to attain high speeds. The vessel should reach 44 knots at light ship and 40 knots with a 57 tonne payload. An equivalent catamaran or monohull would require 4 x MTU 16V 4000’s to equal this performance.A Trimaran hull form is an inherently stable hull form and this stability has been further enhanced with the addition of an active foil ride control system. These foils, fitted between the centre and side hulls and above the keel line, together with stern mounted trim tabs, provide responsive and effective control over the vessels motions.

The slender hull form and foil assistance helps the vessel generate a low wash and wake in comparison to many competing vessels of equivalent speed and displacement.
Built as a stock vessel and for sale now this Trimaran Passenger ferry will be undergoing sea trials and demonstration to interested operators, in Tasmania during March/April 2001.