“Kilimanjaro III” – is the latest launch from Hobart shipbuilder, Richardson Devine Marine. She follows 26m Cat Cocos – Isle of La Digue and 28m workboat Straitshooter. Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro II were delivered by RDM, respectively in July 2009 and August 2010. With the success of KI and KII on the popular East African route between Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, the owner took little time deciding that it was time for KIII.
The Incat Crowther designed 38metre vessel carries up to 548 passengers on three levels, offering an impressive level of comfort and luxury with superb viewing from all seats.
The ‘economy’ class passengers are seated in leather reclining seats with full air-conditioning, a kiosk with a table seating area, and expansive, full wrap around views from the large tinted windows.
First class passengers on the mid deck enjoy a luxurious seating arrangement utilising huge, comfortable reclining leather seats complete with leg support. All of the interior seats are supplied by George Eknes of Norway. The wheelhouse is a spacious area with wrap around visibility. There are three Beaurteax helm seats and access to wing control stations
Outdoor seating from Beurteax Australia is provided on the open upper deck as well as on the awning covered aft mid deck where passengers are still able to be entertained via a 55″ outdoor television. Additional bench seating is provided on the bow and across the stern to maximise capacity.
Cummins KTA50 M2 engines, rated at 1800hp at 1900rpm give a lightship speed of 31.5 knots and a service speed of 30 knots.
KIII is a direct evolution of the owner’s previous two vessels. RDM Director, Toby Richardson has made numerous trips to Tanzania to discuss and assess the owner’s needs. With many years experience building ferries with business partner Ron Devine, and understanding the dynamics of a successful ferry service, Toby was able to offer some valuable advice in both the operation and design of the new vessel. Paying particular attention to the passenger profile and the weather and sea conditions experienced between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Toby made some radical changes to the earlier design to offer more speed, better sea keeping and more comfort for the passengers. RDM also developed a more streamlined approach to luggage handling and movement of passengers on and off the vessel to speed turn around times.
Toby’s hand drawn sketches were faxed from Dar es Salaam to Sydney based designers, Incat Crowther who efficiently converted them to a recognisable format suitable for presentation. The owner was quick to embrace the vision and soon after, contracted RDM to build his third vessel.
The owner of Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro II joins a growing group of RDM repeat customers. In commercial operation for more than twenty years RDM have built an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and efficiency. The quiet unassuming qualities of sound customer service, complete international backup and a genuine desire to see their customers’ business flourish have been the reasons behind customers coming back again and again. RDM customers know they are dealing with company owners that have been boat building for most of their lives and who have brought a team together that rank the best in the world in the field of aluminium construction and finish. They know that their next vessel, just like their last ‘RDM’ will exceed their expectations.
