Australian builder to deliver Azam Marine’s Kilimanjaro VIII early next year

Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) of Hobart, Australia recently launched a new catamaran ferry slated for Azam Marine of Tanzania.

The 53-metre-long Kilimanjaro VIII will then undergo completion works and sea trials. Delivery to its owners is scheduled for early 2023.

The newer ferry will feature a parallel boarding system, whereby five ramps on either side of the vessel will be able to load passengers and cargo in segregated flows. VIP and business class passengers will board into a discreet stair tower directly to the upper deck cabin, whilst economy passengers will load separately aft and amidships.

A fifth ramp will be dedicated to luggage trolley movements.

The designer said the boarding system will ensure passenger classes and luggage trolleys remain separated, reducing turnaround time and improving safety, whilst providing exclusivity for premium passengers.

The catamaran will seat 340 passengers in its main deck economy cabin whilst the mid-deck cabin will accommodate 36 VIP passengers and 12 business class passengers in full lie-flat seats. The remainder of the mid-deck will accommodate 266 economy passengers.

The luggage room can house up to 10 tonnes of luggage and cargo.

The ferry, which also has IMO HSC code-compliant stability, is powered by two Cummins QSK95-M main engines.