“CAT COCOS Isle of La Digue” was launched from the Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) facility in Hobart March 5th 2011. Equipment commissioning followed with Builder’s and Owner’s trials completed by March 22.
Inter Island Boats of the Seychelles contracted RDM for the design and build package mid 2010 after settling on a preliminary general arrangement developed in collaboration with Sydney based Incat Crowther . Hobart based RDM have built an impressive portfolio of vessels up to 45 metres in length and have a well established dialogue with leading naval architects, Incat Crowther.
The keel was laid August 19 and in typical RDM fashion the vessel quickly took shape. Powered by two MTU 12V2000M70 engines with fixed five blade Mikado propellers Cat Cocos exceeded performance expectations. She will comfortably cruise at 25 knots with a full load of 227 passengers and four crew. Trim and ride control are managed with a Humphree active interceptor system.
Cat Cocos Isle of La Digue has three distinct seating areas. The majority of the passengers are seated in the air conditioned economy cabin which is served by a compact kiosk. Expansive windows offer exceptional views as the passengers travel between the islands of the Seychelles. There are 16 passengers seated in the upstairs first class cabin which has an all around view including through the wheelhouse. The top aft deck has seating for 53 and is protected by an overhead awning and side clears when required.
The client’s first visit to the vessel during the entire build process was for sea trials and handover. The confidence they placed in RDM to deliver an exceptional vessel was well founded and they are extremely happy with the standard of finish, the on time delivery and the excellent level of communication and customer interaction that they received during the build. With geographic distance, time and cost being an impediment to frequent yard visits the clients relied on detailed weekly photographic updates and sound communication where critical choices or decisions were required.
“CAT COCOS Isle of La Digue” was delivered to the Seychelles aboard a heavy lift ship during May 2011.
