Big cat for GBR

Incat Crowther and Marine Engineering Consultants (MEC) have announced the commencement of construction of a 24m long-range catamaran patrol vessel to work in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). The GBRWHA is jointly managed by Queensland’s Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (DNPRSR) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

Among the vessel's environmental features will be extensive solar panels, high R-value insulation, zoned air conditioning, as well as window blinds and shutters to reduce the impact of the Queensland sun.

The extensive solar array takes advantage of modern lithium-ion batteries to reduce the use of diesel generators both in operation and whilst at anchor at night. The batteries are charged during the day by solar power, allowing the vessel’s diesel generators to remain shut down overnight. At these times, the battery bank will supply power for house loads, including air conditioning. In the event of increased demand, the generators will automatically start.

Depending on the load case, they will either provide direct power, or charge the batteries. This reduces running costs and will dramatically reduce the cost of maintaining the generators. The cost effective nature of this configuration is further enhanced by the benefits of lithium ion batteries. These batteries are a quarter of the weight and can provide up to ten times the power and ten times the lifecycle of conventional lead acid batteries.

The vessel’s aft deck houses a cradle for a 6.0m RIB, which is capable of being launched and retrieved at speeds of up to six knots and in seas up to three metres. Dive tank racks are provided, as are a pair of bench seats for dive preparation. The main deck cabin features a large wet room aft, with toilet, shower and laundry facilities. A large mess with seats for 15 is situated opposite a large galley. A large pantry adjoins the galley and houses provisions for long missions.

There are two twin cabins forward with a bathroom, and doors to the side deck providing easy access around the vessel.

Aft of the wheelhouse, the upper deck features two twin cabins, a bathroom, power tools store and cold store. The aft upper deck is divided in to two distinct spaces.

Aft is a 4.5m RIB with crane for launch and retrieval.

An additional 8 crew are accommodated in twin cabins in the hulls. Storage capacity is provided aft for 1500 litres of unleaded petrol, for use on the RIBs.
Multiple drive train options were evaluated, with hybrid propulsion options at the forefront. Long term costs were taken into account, with the decision being to combine conventional diesels with supplementary solar panels and a highly-efficient hull form.

The vessel will be powered by a pair of Yanmar 6AYM-WGT engines, producing 670kW each. Capable of speeds up to 25 knots, the vessel is optimised for efficient cruising between 12 and 20 knots.