SeaStar 11 is a new catamaran passenger ferry built by Austal at its Balamban shipyard in Philippines, for South Korean operator Seaspovill.
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In June 2016, Austal received a $16m contract to construct the SeaStar 11 ferry. Incat Crowther was awarded a contract to design the ferry in September 2016.
Launched by Austal in July 2017, the passenger ferry will join Seapovill’s fleet based at the Port of Donghae. Seapovill operates ferry services from the mainland ports of Donghae and Gangneung to the island of Ulleung-do.
Design and features of SeaStar 11
SeaStar 11’s catamaran design was developed by Incat Crowther and Seaspovill to achieve operational benefits over an off-the-shelf production design. The former also helped to prepare a preliminary design package and select a builder for the project.
A detailed route operability analysis was also performed by Incat Crowther to ensure the design met Seaspovill’s requirements.
The ferry complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) high-speed craft (HSC) code. It also offers reduced fuel consumption due to its long waterline length and low weight, which was achieved through Incat Crowther’s use of advanced finite element analysis (FEA) systems.
Made from marine-grade aluminium, the vessel’s efficient cross structure further increases its tunnel clearance capabilities without increasing its hull depth and weight.
The ferry’s enhanced operational envelope enables operation in adverse weather conditions. The innovative z-bow hull form and centre bow ensure superior seakeeping capabilities, providing the operator with high operability and comfort.
The engine rooms in lower decks have been designed to avoid overhead obstacles and optimise accessibility. The multiple boarding and mooring arrangements enable the ferry to be integrated with current fleet and port facilities.
The ferry has an overall length of 49.9m, a waterline length of 47.7m, a beam of 11.5m, a hull draft of 1.3m, and a depth of 3.9m. The storage tanks onboard the vessel can hold 17,000l of fuel, 1,500l of fresh water and 1,500l of sullage.
SeaStar 11 accommodation facilities
Operated by a crew of eight, the SeaStar 11 can carry a total of 450 passengers. The doors in the centre section of the vessel allow the passengers to embark and disembark the ferry. They are installed with hinged ramps operated by electric winches.
The ferry features a large central space with luggage storage and a stairway to access the upper deck. The aft section of the ferry accommodates bathrooms and a kiosk. The main deck is equipped with seating arrangement to house a total of 346 passengers.
The upper deck offers seating for 96 passengers, a VIP cabin that can accommodate eight passengers, and two toilets in the aft area. The ferry also features a crew room next to the elevated wheelhouse.
Propulsion
The new ferry is powered by four MTU 16V2000 M72 main engines driving four Rolls-Royce Kamewa 56A3 waterjets. Each engine develops a maximum power output of 1,440kW at 2,250rpm. The waterjets deliver improved efficiency and power across a wide range of speeds, when compared with the propellers.
The propulsion system enables the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 40k. The loaded operating speed at maximum continuous rating (MCR) is 33k.
