PM praises new ferry

THE Prime Minister has praised the new fast ferry Buccoo Reef being built by Australian shipbuilder Incat, for the domestic seabridge. A post on Dr Rowley's Facebook page said Incat launched the ferry at its shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania.

Construction on the Buccoo Reef began in 2019 and all major machinery and equipment onboard the vesse has been installed.

"The ship’s electronic systems are now being commissioned and tested in preparation for sea trials in November."

The Buccoo Reef is scheduled to arrive in TT later this year.

The ferry will have capacity for 1,000 passengers in three lounges, which will include a range of bars and food service areas. The vehicle deck will have 175 truck lane metres and capacity for 182 cars, or 239 cars if trucks are not carried.The ship will have an operating speed of over 40 knots. It will also feature a Naiad Dynamics active ride control system, with active trim tabs aft and a retractable T-foil located at the aft end of the centre bow.

In a video on Rowley's page, Incat managing director Craig Clifford thanked him for entrusting the company to build the Buccoo Reef. Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine, former batsman David Boon and former allrounder James Faulkner each highlighted different aspects of the vessel.

Rowley and National Security Minister Stuart Young led a government team on a working visit to Australia in 2018. During that visit, the they visited Australian shipbuilders Austal and Incat.

A second fast ferry, APT James, is being built by Austal. This company is also building two Cape Class patrol boats for the Coast Guard.