Construction of the first Evolution One12, ordered by Incat USA, will commence shortly in Hobart, with delivery programmed for 2004.
The Evolution One12 will be capable of carrying up to 1500 tonnes deadweight and will be the largest diesel powered fast craft in the world.
Incat has selected four 20RK280 MAN B&W engines to provide the 36 megawatts required to power the vessel at speeds of up to 50 knots. Each 20-cylinder RK280 engine is rated for continuous operation at 9,000KWb at 1000 rpm for this application.
Constructed as a base vessel or SeaFrame, as opposed to the aviation industry’s Air Frame – the structure of an aircraft exclusive of its fittings, the craft can be fitted out for numerous purposes, including passenger/commercial and military deployment.
While providing operators with a host of different configurations designed towards their individual needs, building to SeaFrame will enable lower production costs and consequently lower ownership costs of Incat-built Wave Piercing Catamarans.
The cargo deck of the Evolution One12 SeaFrame provides 589 truck lane metres (TLM) plus 50 cars or, 312 cars if required for a full tourist mode. With extra optional mezzanine decks fitted the possibility for even greater car capacity exists. Other positives of the Evolution One12 include an increased vehicle deck headroom of 6.30 metres, centre lanes allowing the stowage of Mafi trailers and, with a beam of 30.20 metres, heavy road vehicles can easily turn in the bow for quick disembarkation over stern ramps.
The 30.20 metre wide beam of the craft also serves to increase on board comfort by reducing transverse accelerations in the main cabin area. This, combined with a new wider trim tab configuration, will minimise the time the optional forward T-foil is required, bringing further fuel and maintenance economies to the operator.
For the commercial market the Evolution One12 SeaFrame can be fitted with luxurious, yet practical, accommodation for 1200 or more persons. Developed by Revolution Design an interior well suited for the demands of an intensive passenger ferry service can be provided for the Evolution One12.
Alternatively, the SeaFrame can be completed as a pure RoRo dedicated for freight operators, or a Car Carrier for transportation of trade vehicles.
For the military sector there are a plethora of configurations to which the SeaFrame vessel can be completed offering Littoral Combat, Mine Counter Measure, UAV/STOL capacity, Theater Support, Helicopter Operations and Troop Transport abilities to name but a few.
