Things are looking up at Incat, with the shipbuilder securing a contract to build the world’s first liquefied natural gas-fuelled fast ferry.
Incat chairman Bob Clifford said the gas turbine-powered catamaran would help secure the jobs of the company’s current workforce of about 230.
The 99m high-speed ferry, with capacity for more than 1000 passengers and 153 cars, will be built for delivery in 2012.
The buyer and the destination are yet to be disclosed.
Mr Clifford said the ship would look similar to a “bog standard” Incat vessel, but would produce less carbon emissions and would cost less to run.
He said interest in cleaner vessels was growing as the International Maritime Organisation prepared to impose tighter restrictions on shipping pollution from 2015.
“The emissions that come from LNG contain much less carbon dioxide,” Mr Clifford said.
“We’re already talking to two or three other customers who want similar solutions.”
Incat engineers are working closely with technicians from GE in Europe and the United States to design the ferry.
The new ship order is good news for Incat after a tough few years.
In July the company announced it was putting some of its skilled workers out for hire by other companies, in an effort to keep its workforce intact during lean times.
Mr Clifford said the move had proved successful, with around 40 Incat workers now employed on other Tasmanian projects.
The company is still looking for buyers for its two current vessels, a 112m catamaran and an 85m vessel.
Economic Development Minister Lara Giddings congratulated Incat on winning the contract to build the LNG ferry.
“This contract is great news for Incat and will instil some confidence back into Tasmania’s ship construction and repair industry after a difficult time due to the global financial crisis,” Ms Giddings said.
“In today’s challenging financial environment Tasmanian companies like Incat, and many others in the manufacturing sector, continue to demonstrate their capability to successfully trade in the global marketplace.”
