HSC Incat 050

HSC "Incat 050" is a high-speed catamaran car ferry owned and operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, planned to enter service in February 2009 after a major refit in Portsmouth. As the "Joint Venture" she saw service in Operation Enduring Freedom around the Horn of Africa.

History

"Incat 050" was built by Incat of Tasmania, Australia, she was a commercial ferry for TT-Line as the "Devil Cat" before being converted for military purpose. A flight deck was added to accommodate various helicopters in the US Navy arsenal.

"Joint Venture" was rapidly re-configurable and can perform a variety of missions, principal among them the ability to ferry up to 325 combat personnel and 400 tons of cargo up to 3000 miles one way at speeds in excess of 40 knots.

"Joint Venture" was handed back to Incat in Hobart Tasmania in early 2008. She had under gone a refit and painting in the Express Ferries livery and was planned to enter service with them as a car and passenger ferry, but this never materialised.

On May 19, 2008, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company announced the purchase of the vessel for £20 million, and is planned to replace the existing fastcraft "Viking" [http://www.steam-packet.com/SteamPacket/Important+Information+(News)/Latest+News+19.05.08.htm] . The 96 metre wave piercing catamaran will be the largest vessel of its kind in the Irish Sea. Because of its most recent use, the Steam Packet Company says it has significantly fewer hours of service than a vessel of comparable age and will be ideally suited for the substantial refit proposed.

The "Incat 050" completed the 11,868 mile voyage from Hobart to Portsmouth in 27 days. The refit will cost around £3 million and be carried out by Burgess Marine. The refit will consist of a new aft accommodation module, a new stern door and a new sky lounge. A complete overhaul of the internal fittings is also planned along with a new ride control system. A new name will be applied to the vessel in time for her entry into service in February 2009. An open day to view the vessel will take place at each of the Company's ports as well as a renaming ceremony. [http://www.steam-packet.com/SteamPacket/Book-Now/A-word-with-Woodward]

References