Korara: New Ferry Delivered to Fullers Group

 

Korora is a 34m catamaran, a collaboration between operator Fullers Group Ltd., designer Incat Crowther and builder Q-West. A near sister ship to Te Kotuku, Korora will operate in Auckland and adjacent coastal areas and evolves the design with the addition of a sundeck and an increase in passenger capacity to a total of 401.

The main deck features seating for 178, a large café, luggage racks and wide access doors. Also fitted are two toilets (one of which is handicap-accessible) and racks for 14 bicycles.

 

The upper deck features 76 exterior seats and 77 interior seats. An additional bar and pair of toilets are also located on the upper deck.

 

The wheelhouse retains its asymmetric configuration, designed in consideration of the local operational requirements. The frequently used starboard wing control station is enclosed for protection from the elements, while the port side is dedicated to crew access via stairs to the foredeck, which houses palletized cargo and a deck crane.

 

Korora features larger engines, reflecting increased deadweight capacity and offering improved performance and engine longevity. The vessel is propelled with conventional fixed pitch propellers and demonstrated an average speed of 29 knots at 85% MCR with typical deadweight during sea trials.

 

A dry exhaust system is fitted which along with the engine room air outlets, exits high above the upper deck. This configuration, which reduces corrosion and fumes and noise in passenger areas, is typical of vessels in the Fullers fleet.

 

Korora will be joined by a sister ship in 2017, to bring Fuller’s fleet of this class of versatile efficient and reliable vessels to three.