Austal's North American Cat Purrs Onto Lake Ontario

Latest 86 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran cuts US - Canada travel times.

A new era in North American transportation has arrived on Lake Ontario in the form of the Auto Express 86 catamaran "Spirit of Ontario I", the latest passenger and vehicle fast ferry from Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships.

The stylish ship, the first vehicle-passenger ferry Austal has completed for the North American market, arrived at Rochester, New York on 27 April to a rapturous welcome from the local community which is clearly enthusiastic about the new high speed ferry service to Canada. The project is the result of several years work by US company Canadian American Transportation Systems (CATS) to improve links between the two regions which have, until now, been without a ferry crossing.

At an early stage in the project CATS saw that without high speed technology the proposed service would not be practical, a slow ferry taking longer than the road journey. Operated by "Spirit of Ontario I" the new service is a real example of the opportunities offered by quality purpose-built fast ferries.

The most direct line between Rochester, New York and Toronto, Ontario is the 82 nautical mile (151km) path across the open waters of Lake Ontario, a journey which takes only two hours and 15 minutes for the fast ferry. In comparison, the 275km drive around the western end of the lake takes at least three hours, even in perfect road and traffic conditions. However, weather and traffic congestion, particularly at the border crossings, can stretch the travel time to four hours or more. The 86 metre catamaran will, therefore, clearly provide a travelling option that is not only faster but also more relaxing and comfortable.

The new route will act as a virtual bridge, connecting the national highway systems of Canada and the United States, and is expected to act as a catalyst for two regions coming together, economic development, tourism activity and job growth on both sides of the border.

"The new service is one of the most anticipated projects in the region for many years, with the federal, state and city governments all playing a part to ensure an ambitious plan became reality. The ship is seen as a real boost for economic development and we at Austal are proud that "Spirit of Ontario I" is having such an impact on the local communities," said Austal's Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon.

En route to its new home port "Spirit of Ontario I" made promotional visits to Hawaii and New York City where it was received with enormous interest. The presence of the vessel made a very high profile public statement highlighting the potential for expanded use of fast ferries in the North American market.

"This is the first Austal vehicle-passenger ferry for North America and already it has made a strong impression in a market with further potential," said Austal Ship¡¦s Sales and Product Development Manager, Mr Glenn Williams.

"The overwhelming level of anticipation in the region is reflected in the vessel¡¦s name, the numeral '1' indicating something of future intentions for Lake Ontario; and of course Austal USA is about to deliver a 58 metre catamaran for a new route across Lake Michigan," he commented.

From the outset Austal has worked closely with CATS to ensure that the vessel is precisely what is needed for the new service.

"This close relationship between builder and client has been critical to the success of the project which not only involves introducing a new ship, but also establishing a whole new operation on a greenfield site and opening a new border crossing," Mr Williams said.

Accordingly Austal's seventh Auto Express 86, "Spirit of Ontario I" has been purpose designed for the service including a reduction in beam, to 23.8 metres, to enable it to fit through the canals on the St Lawrence Seaway. This is just one among many illustrations of Austal's ability and willingness to modify a highly proven design to match client-specific needs.

Others include structural, design and equipment changes in accordance with the latest IMO HSC Code 2000 requirements and to allow operation in limited ice conditions.

To account for the environment in which the vessel operates an ice strengthening belt has been incorporated around the waterline. This has been achieved by increasing shell plating thickness over the classification requirement.

Importantly the vessel has also been completed to meet the latest security requirements of the United States Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security.

From the moment "Spirit of Ontario I" was launched it has impressed. During sea trials the ferry exceeded the contractual speed requirement of 42 knots by three knots and reached a top speed of 47.2 knots, making it the fastest diesel powered car ferry ever built by Austal.

The ship is powered by four MTU 20V 8000 M70 diesel engines, each providing a maximum power output of 8,200kW at 1150rpm and making it the most powerful diesel engined fast catamaran in the world. Each engine drives a Lips LJ120E waterjet through a ZF 53000 gearbox.

"Spirit of Ontario I" will provide more than just a method of transportation. Rather it is introducing a truly unique travel experience, offering facilities and ambience worthy of a small cruise liner. High quality materials and fittings are used throughout the vessel, ensuring pleasant surroundings for all passengers and durability and ease of maintenance for the operator.

Passengers entering the cabin area cannot fail to be impressed by the ferry¡¦s contemporary interior. For the ultimate travel experience extra wide seating has been provided for 774 passengers, including seating for 78 Business Class passengers on the starboard side of the bridge deck lounge.

Foot passengers embark via doors amidships on the upper deck and enter a spacious atrium that includes lounge seating, a passenger information desk and a duty free shop. Attractive yet practical Amtico flooring is a feature of this high traffic area, as is the stunning central double staircase that leads to the bridge deck and draws the eye to a domed skylight that fills the space with natural light.

Behind the duty free shop is an amenities block and a bar/servery facing the aft passenger cabin. This area features a combination of lounge and reclining seats arranged around tables enabling passengers to enjoy their refreshments in maximum comfort.

The starboard aft quarter is the designated Children¡¦s Corner where younger travellers can while away the passage on a voyage of discovery in colourful surroundings. The corresponding position on the port side is a games arcade, adjacent to which is a lift providing wheelchair access to and from the vehicle deck in accordance with US ADA requirements. Staircases forward and aft on each side also link the upper deck with the vehicle deck.

Located either side of the central amenities block are two cinemas, each seating 46 passengers. A gently sloping deck ensures movie fans enjoy clear viewing from all seats. Passengers in other areas are entertained and informed via an integrated public address and audio entertainment system. The ship¡¦s video distribution system is linked to colour television monitors that have been located throughout the vessel.

The cabin section forward of the atrium is divided into three areas. Seating in the outboard areas consists of reclining seats arranged in rows of two, while the central buffet area is laid out with a table and chair arrangement to reflect the adjacent servery, from which passengers may purchase hot and cold food and beverages. Immediately forward of the servery is a well-equipped galley and catering area.

The forward observation lounge, tastefully decorated in gentle creams and blues, is sure to be a hit with passengers, offering as it does breathtaking views of Lake Ontario.

Business Class passengers in the spacious Business Centre, located in the bridge deck lounge, may access the internet on their laptops or simply relax in comfortable reclining seats in an informal yet sophisticated atmosphere. A bar on the centreline immediately aft of the bridge provides a dedicated drinks service.

Located between the bridge deck lounge and the wheelhouse are crew amenities including a crew shower / change room which includes a toilet and crew lockers.

Arranged for a three man bridge team, the wheelhouse is fitted with, among other items, external communications equipment complying with GMDSS requirements; CCTV monitors at the Master, Chief Officer and Engineer¡¦s positions; inter-switched X and S band ARPA radars; ECDIS; DGPS receiver; night vision; speed log; wind instruments; autopilot; gyro and magnetic compasses and an echo sounder. Austal¡¦s machinery and control monitoring system Marine Link is fitted, bringing engines, gearboxes and propulsion under centralised control and monitoring. Steering can be carried out using levers mounted on either the Master or Chief Officer¡¦s chairs, or from the bridge wing stations designed for maximum vision when berthing and manoeuvring.

On the vehicle deck "Spirit of Ontario I" has been configured to carry trucks as well as cars. Featuring bow and stern doors for a fast and efficient drive-through operation, the vehicle space is fitted with a hoistable mezzanine deck. With this raised, 10 trucks may be carried in the two central lanes, which are strengthened for axle loads of up to 15 tonnes. When the deck is lowered, a total of 243 cars can be carried.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS
Length overall: 86.6 metres
Length waterline: 74.15 metres
Beam moulded: 23.8 metres
Hull depth moulded: 7.6 metres
Hull draft (maximum): 3.4 metres
Deadweight (maximum): 470 tonnes
Crew: 26
Passengers: 774
Vehicles: 238 cars
10 trucks and 150 cars
Axle loads: 15.0 / 12.0 tonnes (dual / single axles) on central lanes
3.5 tonnes on outboard lanes
1.0 tonnes on mezzanine lanes
Vehicle deck clear height: 4.2 metres
Fuel (maximum): 160,000 litres
PROPULSION
Engines: 4 x MTU 20V 8000 M70; 8200kW at 1150rpm each
Gearboxes: 4 x ZF 53000
Waterjets: 4 x Lips LJ120E
Speed: 45 knots at 100% MCR with 308 tonnes of deadweight
SURVEY
Classification Germanischer Lloyd + 100A5 HSC-B OC3

ENDS