After evaluating their needs and reviewing the “Sea Flyte” vessel, the Ocean Fast Ferries of the Philippines delegated in 2005 the construction of a new heavy duty ferry to GMD. The vessel had to be an efficient people mover capable of carrying over 220 passengers.
Launched in September 2011, with a top speed of 29 knots and an excellent ride with good sea handling characteristics, this compact people mover has met all expectations by boasting an excellent ride with good sea-handling characteristics.
The existing Ocean Fast Ferries fleet of seven ferries will welcome this first of two 32m monohulls designed by Clobal Marine Designs and supplied in kit form to Ocean Fast Ferries in the Philippines that will operate a 24/7 service in and out of Cebu, Southern Philippines.
The overall vessel length is 33.15 meters and it measures 7.2 meters across the beam, with a draught of 1.50 meters at her working displacement of 108 tons. Featuring a pair of Cummins KTA 50 engines, each rated 1,323kW, the vessel has a sprint speed of 28-30 knots and a cruise speed of 22-24 knots.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, December 23, 2011; Image: Fast Ferries