Wight Shipyard Co wins order for Scottish day cruise catamaran

Wight Shipyard Co has won an order to build a 21 metre passenger catamaran for a high profile Scottish tourism operation. The order, the second for the Isle of Wight-based shipyard in as many weeks, follows the welcome announcement of a second 41 metre high speed craft for Red Funnel.

The new Scottish vessel will join the Jacobite Cruises fleet on Loch Ness cruising between Dochgarroch, just outside Inverness, Clansman Hotel and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

“We are delighted to secure this order, our first for Scotland,” says Wight Shipyard Co CEO Peter Morton.

“Coming a matter of days after the announcement of a repeat Red Funnel order and following the recent delivery to MBNA Thames Clippers of two 35 metre low-wash river catamarans for London, the order for Jacobite Cruises’ new catamaran underpins WSC’s track record in building sustainable and low environmental impact vessels,” Peter Morton says.

Designed by One2three Naval Architects the hullform of the new catamaran is designed to provide through-life efficiency with low structural weight assisting lower fuel consumption.

The new catamaran will accommodate 200 passengers who will board over the forward and aft decks. The aft deck will seat 13 passengers while the foredeck will have 15 seats and will be fitted with hinged boarding ramps. Passengers will enter a large central space with seating arrangements for 102 passengers tailored to Jacobite Cruises requirements and finished in the company’s own tartan. A spacious café/kiosk will provide refreshments and snacks. Four toilets will be located at the rear of the accommodation, one of which is for disabled customers.

Above, on the upper deck, outdoor seating will be provided for 84 passengers aft of the elevated wheelhouse.

In the hulls, the engine rooms are laid out in a clean, accessible manner and feature removal hatches over each engine, completely clear of overhead obstructions.

The vessel will be powered by two Scania DI9 main engines, each producing 257kW @ 2100 rpm. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 15 knots, the vessel will cruise at 12 knots on Loch Ness further slowing to 5 knots in the Caledonian Canal.

“Jacobite Cruises is seeing incredible growth and last year we welcomed over 220,000 passengers onto the waters of Loch Ness,” says Freda Newton, Managing Director of Jacobite Cruises.

“The new catamaran to be built by Wight Shipyard Co continues our investment in our business, our people and our fleet so we can offer the very best visitor experience. We have been most impressed by Wight Shipyard’s skills and in particular the quality of finish in their vessels built to date,” she says.

The new vessel will be delivered in time for the 2018 summer season.

Principal particulars

Builder: Wight Shipyard Co, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

Designer: One2three Naval Architects, Sydney, Australia

Length Overall: 21.34m

Length Waterline: 20.24m

Beam Moulded: 7.60m

Load Draft: 1.90m

Passengers: 200

Machinery

Main engines: Two Scania DI9 marine diesel engines

Gearboxes: Two Twin Disc MGX 5086 SC, 2.53:1

Propulsion: Two fixed pitch, 5-bladed propellers

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About Wight Shipyard Co: Wight Shipyard Co (WSC) is Europe’s leading high speed craft and aluminium ship builder based on Britain’s Isle of Wight.

WSC brings to the ferry and aluminium vessel industry the experience and dedication of a team of handpicked craftspeople from across the world of fast ferry construction. With this fine pedigree ferry owners and operators have the most progressive solutions and highest quality skills available.

Purpose-built, fuel-efficient and with the most comfortable passenger accommodation, WSC fast ferries deliver high performance cutting edge designs right across the ferry world. In partnership with its customers and marine authorities WSC passionately seeks to redefine how fast ferries are built through innovative design and quality construction.

About Jacobite Cruises: For over 40 years, Jacobite has helped customers to experience the mysteries and myths of the world famous Loch Ness. Each year, the company entertains more than 220,000 visitors with award winning cruises and tours on board its impressive fleet.

The quality of the Jacobite operation has not gone unrecognised within the tourism industry, having won no less than 15 awards since 2003 in addition to winning the coveted Visit Scotland's 5-Star award every year since 2006.

For more info visit the website www.jacobitecruises.co.uk