Vehicular ferry construction update - 10 January 2012
You would have to agree that the distinctive livery seen on the Gladstone Ferries 35m Enviro Cat is striking. What you probably wouldn’t know is that livery is not paint but an anti-corrosive film that also protects the hull. Well, a similar film has now been applied to Gladstone Ferries newest acquisition, a Golf Caddy Van, by specialist installer Planet Wrap. We have attached some photos so you can see the process involved in applying the film and the brilliant final result!
The third 400 passenger Eco Cruiser for LNG Projects in Gladstone has left the build shed at Aluminium Boats Australia Brisbane Factory.
Named “Capricornian Surfer” the photos below show the vessel about to undergo dock trials and systems commissioning in preparation for sea trials.
Our two newest vessels, Brahminy Kite and Duffy are now in Gladstone after they made the trip from Brisbane on Sunday 12 February 2012. During the trip both vessels also undertook safety testing.
Our 24 Metre Eco Cruise "Brahminy Kite" and Paramedic vessel "Duffy" are seen here being prepared for their formal launch and vessel blessing in Brisbane on 7th February 2012.
Our new 24 Metre Eco Cruiser named "Brahminy Kite" is now ready for sea trials in Brisbane. The final touches have been applied before the boat enters the water.
Our Paramedic vessel has now entered the water at the Brisbane based Aluminium Boats Australia factory in Brisbane. The vessel entered the water for a safety test and is currently undergoing commissioning and further testing.
A clear sky background for the new year as our new vehicular ferries are taking shape. You can clearly see now the size of the vessels as they begin to dwarf the surrounding scaffolding and construction equipment.
Construction of our Paramedic vessel is nearing completion.
Our new vehicular (ROPAX) ferries are progressing with funnels now erected along with the passenger accommodation area.
Our third Enviro Cat is now well underway at the Aluminium Boats Australia factory in Brisbane. Hull plating and superstructure are almost complete along with the wheelhouse fit out.
Our third Enviro Cat has been named "Capricornian Dreamer" and keeps to the theme of naming our vessels according to the local region where they will be operating.
Transit Systems formally announced the names of the new Passenger and Vehicular Ferries (Ropax) for the Gladstone ferry service. The vessel names have all come from highways that are in the Gladstone area and are meant to be a continuation of the highway theme from the Mainland to Curtis Island - a marine “super highway”.
The new vehicle ferry names are:
Vessel 1108 - BRUCE
Vessel 1109 - DAWSON
Vessel 1110 – LEICHHARDT
One of our new vehicle ferries, vessel 1108, is now taking shape as the superstructure is clearly identifiable in the latest progress photos shown below. The wheelhouse and passenger deck have both now been added above the vehicle deck.
People along Brisbane's river may have been surprised on Tuesday 22 November when our first EnviroCat cruised the cities waterways in a slow speed water trial. The two story vessel dwarfed the Brisbane City Councils CityCat ferries as it made its way from the Aluminum Boats Australia factory near Bulimba, under the Story Bridge and back again. The Enviro Cat will now prepare for it's journey north to Gladstone.
Construction is continuing on our new Paramedic vessel. The superstructure is now 90% complete. You can clearly see the plating now being applied to the hull and sides of the cabin in the images below.
Construction is well underway of our new Vehicular Ferries in China. The super structure is beginning to take shape with sections that form the main vehicle deck clear visible in the images below.
The second Enviro Cat 25metre vessel has been launched into the water at the Aluminium Boats Australia factory in Brisbane. It will undergo testing before being taken to Gladstone.
Below is an artists impression of one of the new Paramedic vessel currently under construction for Gladstone Ferries.
Construction is continuing on our new Paramedic vessel. The superstructure is now 55% complete and you can clearly see the new vessels outline in the photos below.
Below is an artists impression of one of the new passenger ferries currently under construction for Gladstone Ferries.
The keel for our new 1100 Ton Class Ropax Vehicular and Passenger ferries is now being assembled at the manufacturing plant in China.
A clear sky background for the new year as our new vehicular ferries are taking shape. You can clearly see now the size of the vessels as they begin to dwarf the surrounding scaffolding and construction equipment.
