Richardson Devine Marine hand over a unique, all-aluminium ferry “Nairana” to Sealink Tasmania

According to a recent report, Australian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) has delivered the Incat Crowther designed unique, all-aluminium ferry named Nairana to ferry owner and operator Sealink Tasmania.

Nairana, equipped with state-of-the-art propulsion solutions from SCHOTTEL, is built entirely from aluminium. So, the vessel is light-weight and consumes less fuel. It can travel longer distances, ensuring excellent manoeuvrability. Being light-weight yet robust, the vessel is extremely economical to operate.

Roger Janes, Sales and Marketing Manager of RDM: “The brief was to provide two unique, new vessels that are highly manoeuvrable to facilitate rapid turnaround times, have multiple engines for redundancy, and are economical. Overall, they needed to be uncomplicated and reliable. By installing SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers, the challenge was enthusiastically met and successfully overcome.”

"Nairana" is fitted with four SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers type SRP 100 (200 kW each), one in each corner. To enhance passenger comfort and reduce noise emissions, the ferry has azimuth thrusters. It has diesel engines and rotates 360 degrees, giving the vessel high course stability even on the open sea and with strong winds.

The ferry is 44.9-metre long and 13.60-metre wide. If required, it can operate on two propulsion units during off-peak periods, further reducing operating costs. Both this ferry and its sister ship will run at 12 knots.

A structurally identical sister ship is currently under construction at RDM and is scheduled to enter service in March 2021.