Incat Crowther has delivered Macôco and Panguila to Instituto Marítimo e Portuário de Angola. The pair of 30m catamaran passenger ferries, built by Astilleros Armon in Spain, will be operated by subsidiary TMA Express.
Macôco and Panguila are the first deliveries in an aggressive infrastructure-building project that also includes a pair of 36m ferries – also constructed by Astilleros Armon - to be delivered shortly. Additionally, a 20m Catamaran Buoy Workboat is also being constructed by the yard Instituto Hidrográfico e de Sinalização Maritíma de Angola.
The 136-passenger ferries are IMO HSC Passenger (A) certified and Angola flagged, highlighting Incat Crowther’s expertise with international regulations and classification societies. With a multi-lingual staff over three offices, Incat Crowther was also well positioned to service a Spanish-speaking yard and Portuguese-speaking client.
With hard wearing interiors and simple, practical propulsion packages, Macôco and Panguila have been designed for efficient long-range operation and low maintenance costs, appropriate to the area of operation. Mechanically-operated fold-down boarding ramps are fitted at the stern quarters, leading directly into the main deck cabin.
The main deck cabin features seats for all 136 passengers, as well as a bar and three bathrooms, including one that is handicap-accessible.
The hulls accommodate cabins for 4 crew members, as well as a galley and mess and a dedicated harbour generator. The upper deck houses the vessel’s wheelhouse, affording 360 visibility.
Macôco and Panguila are each powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 main engines, producing 970kw and driving Rientjes gears. Both vessels performed well in sea trials, reaching top speeds over 27 knots. The vessels have a service speed of 25 knots.
Astilleros Armon have demonstrated that a high-quality aluminium vessel can be built in Europe in a competitive global market. Both the Angola-based operator and Spain-based represent new markets for Incat Crowther.
