Sydney says good-bye to the world leading Enviro Cat Ferry
Launching marine vessels is always more impressive in glorious weather and so it was in Dalian, China at the recent launch of the newest Transit Systems vessel, an 83 metre ROPAX (Roll-On-Roll-Off-Passenger) ferry.
As the tide peaked, the first of three ROPAX ferries to be delivered to Transit Systems, destined for services between Gladstone and Curtis Island for Liquefied Natural Gas Projects, took its maiden plunge into the calm waters.
These specifically designed vessels will act as a "bridge" between Gladstone and Curtis Island, a 40 minute ferry ride with the vessels able to transport 12 full size semi-trailer trucks with a deadweight capacity of 740 tonnes.
While in transit, truck drivers will enjoy a climate controlled journey in the passenger lounge and relax in the knowledge that the vessel will soon be issued with the internationally recognised Green Passport Statement of Compliance, amongst other onboard environmental and safety initiatives.
The ROPAX ferry is a leader in its class with a long list of innovative features including remote controlled landing ramps, stern azimuth and bow tunnel thrusters, which provide for superior manoeuvrability, a specially formed bow to allow for lower fuel consumption and less bow wave impact.
Transit Systems is proud to be part of designing and delivering such an innovative and environmentally friendly ferry portfolio and are committed to protecting and preserving natural waterways and increasing sustainability in transport solutions.
While the new Transit Systems Enviro Cats and Eco-Jet Cruisers protect the waterways and minimise impact on the local marine life, human life and safety are also a top priority on board the new vessels.
This week, Transit Systems has finalised production of safety videos for on board demonstration on the new marine vessels, which will operate in Gladstone waterways to Curtis Island transporting workers and equipment between the two ports.
Transit Systems value the safety, health and wellbeing of all employees and passengers and the new safety videos are just one part the overall effort to reduce, minimise and eliminate safety risks.
The vessels are also fitted with thermal imaging equipment, which means the Ferry Master can actively avoid collisions with marine life in the water, while the vessels are also fully equipped above and beyond regulation standards, including life jackets, flares, gps and radio equipment.
Transit Systems is committed to providing a safe workplace and safe, sustainable and efficient transport solutions.
It wasn’t long ago the sight of the distinctive and beautifully styled Enviro Cat on Sydney Harbour stirred more then a little interest in minds of Sydney ferry commuters. Well no-longer, after performing admirably on the Manly Fast Ferry daily commute, the Enviro Cat “Capricornian Spirit” has headed north to Queensland.
The Manly Fast Ferries trialing of the Enviro Cat allowed them to slip the existing ferry. The feedback from Sydney ferry commuters during the trial service of the Enviro Cat was overwhelmingly positive.
A clear-skied summer day was the welcoming gift to two new buoyant additions to the Transit Systems fleet this week, with the launch of “Brahminy Kite” and “Duffy”, as they cruised up the Brisbane River.
The cruise wasn’t just enjoyed for the impressive aesthetics of the vessels, with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Senior Officials commenting that “Duffy” was an incredible achievement in patient care and functionality.
Duffy, the paramedic vessel, is universally compatible with ambulance vehicles, which means patients can be swiftly transferred from one emergency response vessel to another. It also means paramedics feel right at home on board the ferry, ensuring patient care isn’t compromised during handover.
A huge part of patient care is having the space to work on critical patients, easy access to equipment and a clean environment with a comfortable ride – all of which Duffy offers.
The Eco-Jet Cruiser wasn’t lost in Duffy’s wake of admiration though, as special guests and VIP’s enjoyed the air-conditioning on a hot day, while relaxing in comfortable contoured seats, knowing the impact on waterways was minimal, thanks to the low draft hull.
The launch demonstrates our commitment to building more sustainable transport solutions and proves that we have access to the necessary resources to design and build environmentally friendly marine vessels, on time and on budget, for the contracts we undertake.
Operating on the iconic Moreton Bay and reliably and safely transporting thousands of holidaymakers each year to the stunning North Stradbroke Island, the Big Red Cat is already a winner in many passengers eyes, however Transit Systems are very pleased to announce the passenger and vehicle ferry service's most recent accolade.
The Big Red Cat was again nominated for the prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards, which were announced at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 4, 2011.
Up against tough competition, the Big Red Cat was awarded as a finalist in front of over 800 guests including dignitaries from the Premiers Office.
Congratulations to the team behind the Big Red Cat scene and thanks to our passengers for the continued support.
Manly Fast Ferry is trialing a brand new 35m world first Australian designed and manufactured Enviro Cat on the high speed and iconic service to Manly.
Australia’s largest privately owned transport provider, Transit Systems has agreed to charter its newest Enviro Cat to Manly Fast Ferry before it enters operation in its Queensland ferry business.
The ferry will be operated over a two week period to both trial the enviro design and to gain customer feedback on the vessel’s features.
Feedback from passengers so far is very positive including comments about plenty of sitting room and areas for baggage on the Enviro Cats, plus a smooth and fast journey.
Transit Systems Gladstone Ferry Operations, that service the Curtis Island LNG Projects, has certainly raised some interest in the Resource Sector with articles appearing recently in the highly circulated industry publications – Australian Mining and the Mining Chronicle.
On Sunday, Gladstone locals came together to celebrate the arrival of MV Capricorian Dancer – the newest, most environmentally friendly vessel to operate in the region, transporting workers and resources to Curtis Island.
Mayor Gail Sellers and Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt congratulated local resident Simon Bourman, who choose the name to highlight the local region’s history, as well as the vessel’s leading environmental initiatives. Simon won a weekend for two at Heron Island!
Simon’s submission explained that MV Capricornian Dancer was inspired by a song of Australian artist Richard Clapton, which has a tropical theme, while the name also captures the area in which the Ferries will be operating – the Capricorn Coast. The Dancer element because this vessel is designed to dance over the waves instead of ploughing through them.
The vessel was purposefully designed by Transit Systems in conjunction with the Queensland Government, the Australian Maritime College and One2Three Naval Architects to have a uniquely shaped low draft hull to protect the region’s dugongs, turtles and local marine environment.
Both the Mayor and Transit Systems are proud to have such a world class vessel operating in the area and locals – stay tuned there are two more ferries to be named and two more getaways to be won in the very near future!
As the PM Julia Gillard boarded Transit Systems ‘Eco Friendly Jet Cruiser’ to turn the first sod of soil and officially launch the $16bn GLNG project, Transit Systems was celebrating its own ‘earth turning’ with the signing of a major five year ferry contract to transport personnel and trucks to Curtis Island for the project.
Transit Systems CEO, Mr Clint Feuerherdt said “We will be constructing and operating a total of 7 brand new vessels for GLNG, about $50m worth of construction. I like to think of our operation as the ‘green bridge’ to the island. These will be some of the most environmentally advanced vessels in Australia, if not the world. GLNG is demonstrating they are serious about the environment by choosing to use these vessels.”
The PM was joined by the QLD Premier Anna Bligh for the GLNG launch. The leaders were clearly impressed with the environmental credentials of the Eco Friendly Jet Cruisers and each took time to ‘captain’ the vessel.
Mr Feuerherdt also said “The Eco-Friendly Jet Cruisers were designed specifically with dugongs, turtles and marine life in mind and have demonstrated their value in our existing operations. They have uniquely shaped, low draft hulls that glide across the water rather than slicing through it and use a water jet propulsion system with no external parts that could injure or maim marine life, as well as numerous other features.”
Transit Systems recently announced its intention to bid for the Sydney Ferries franchise. Mr Feuerherdt noted “We watched with interest at the amount of media generated by potential bidders, but Sydney Ferries is a very complex problem to fix. There is no business in Australia with the experience of Transit Systems in operating ferries, building new ferries and rejuvenating large public transport systems. You don’t get this experience overnight. It is encouraging to see a government committed to real change and we look forward to the franchise process to demonstrate what Transit Systems can do for the people of Sydney.”
The new Gladstone operation is expected to generate up to 50 new jobs for the local economy.
The Eco Friendly Jet Cruisers are an Australian innovation, the result of over 3 years research, development and testing by Transit Systems and its designers, in conjunction with the Australian Maritime College and the Queensland Government.
The first 35m Enviro Cat was farewelled from Brisbane this month by Queensland Premier, the Honourable Anna Bligh, to make its debut in Gladstone on Sunday 9 October at a dedicated community family fun day.
The Enviro Cats were purposely designed by Transit Systems, in conjunction with the Australian Maritime College and the Queensland Government, to have a uniquely shaped, low draft hull that glides across the water instead of slicing it, while water jet propulsion and no external parts mean minimal risk of injury to marine flora and fauna.
It wasn’t long ago the sight of the distinctive and beautifully styled Enviro Cat on Sydney Harbour stirred more then a little interest in minds of Sydney ferry commuters. Well no-longer, after performing admirably on the Manly Fast Ferry daily commute, the Enviro Cat “Capricornian Spirit” has headed north to Queensland.
The Manly Fast Ferries trialing of the Enviro Cat allowed them to slip the existing ferry. The feedback from Sydney ferry commuters during the trial service of the Enviro Cat was overwhelmingly positive.
