In a major step forward, Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania is to expand its shipbuilding capacity with a new 12-hectare site that will enable it to build three large vessels at a time.
Currently, Incat is constructing the world’s largest electric ferry due for delivery in 2025, as such, the company’s future focus is on such ships.
The expansion plans by the Tasmanian shipbuilder follow it in acquiring a portion of the Norske Skog Boyer Mill site at Boyer. The acquisition of the 12-hectare site in the Derwent Valley, located north-west of the island capital of Hobart, will allow Incat to double its current shipbuilding capacity and workforce.
Expansion plans for the site include the construction of a 240 x 120 metre production facility, with the capacity to enable the construction of three large ships simultaneously.
Incat CEO Stephen Casey says the new site is an exciting prospect for the future of the Tasmanian shipbuilder.
“Incat is leading the industry by building the world’s largest electric ferry, and our goal over the next 5-10 years is to build on that success and produce multiple electric ships for the global market while expanding our workforce. The new production facility is vital for us to achieve that,” Mr. Casey said.
“The new site, which already has the appropriate industrial zoning, will allow us to construct hulls and decks for our vessels at Boyer and then transport the structure down the River Derwent to our existing Prince of Wales Bay shipyard to be completed. This will streamline our vessel construction process and enhance our ability to produce multiple ships per year for the market.”
He added, “Incat has the vision and the shipbuilding expertise to lead the world in the design and construction of these new eco-friendly electric ships, and we are positioning ourselves as the shipyard of choice for major ferry operators who want to minimise their environmental footprint with vessels of the highest quality.”
“New Norfolk is a growing area, and this will give Incat the opportunity to provide training and employment opportunities for people across the greater Derwent Valley. We are thrilled with the prospect of employing more Tasmanians.”
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford says the maritime industry’s need for environmentally friendly electric vessels is increasing rapidly, and the shipbuilder needs to be ready to meet demand.
“Incat has been at the forefront of maritime innovation for more than four decades, and the purchase of this site marks a new period of significant growth for the company,” Mr. Clifford said.
“I predict more than 1000 new sustainable ships will be needed to satisfy the global market over the next decade. Domestically, there will be a need for more vessels in locations such as Sydney Harbour, and in Europe, there will be a need for much larger vessels of up to 170 metres in length with the capacity to carry up to 1000 passengers. Incat is one of the few shipyards in the world capable of constructing large, lightweight, electric ships to meet that demand.”
“The new production facility will feature nearly 30,000 square meters of undercover production area, bringing our total undercover production space across both Incat sites to around 100,000 square meters, equivalent to 10 hectares.”
The site will be prepared for the construction of the new production facility in the coming months, with vessel construction set to begin at the facility in 2026.
