Tasmania shipbuilder Incat has reportedly bagged a contract to build the ninth and the world’s largest aluminium ship for its Latin American customer Buquebus. The ship will be 130-metre long and will operate between Argentina and Uruguay. As per the report, the project is worth around US$130 million and expected to involve hundreds of workers.
Incat founder and chairman Robert Clifford said that the company will spend six months designing the vessel, with delivery expected in three years.
The vessel is likely to be 32 metres wide and weigh 13,000 tonnes, with a capacity of carrying 2,100 passengers and 220 cars on two routes from Buenos Aires lasting 75 minutes and three hours.
Robert Clifford said this vessel would be the largest aluminium vessel in respect to tonnage, length, and certainly width.
He further said that the use of aluminium in ship building is increasing because the ships made of aluminium weigh half of the steel ships and therefore, consume less fuel. Also, aluminium ships retain their strength better as they don’t rust, Clifford pointed out.
The new vessel with four engines will burn eco-friendly LNG and will sail faster than over 40 knots.
The ferry will also feature the world’s largest duty-free shop, with over 3000 square metres of retail floor space, similar to the size of large airport duty-free shop.
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