"Typhoon Clipper" is the first of a series of 125-foot (38-meter) Australian-designed and built catamarans to be delivered to Thames Clippers, London (a subsidiary of Collins River Enterprises). Sister vessels still in the process of delivery include the "Tornado Clipper," "Cyclone Clipper," "Monsoon Clipper," "Meteor Clipper" and "Aurora Clipper," completing the six-vessel order. The fleet of ultra-low-wash ferries was designed by Aimteck in Australia and bult by BSC Marine, Australia. They will be utilized on runs from city piers to the 02 Dome entertainment and sports complex at Greenwich. Each ferry is equipped with twin MTU 10V2000 M72 series main engines with output power governed to 965 horsepower (720kW), to give exceptionally long intervals between overhauls. Coupled with the unique performance characteristics and inherent driveline shock absorption of the Twin Disc MGX-6599 SC QuickShift® transmissions, the ferries have robust power packages to suit the precise maneuvering, acceleration and safety demands of a commuter ferry operation. In sea trials, the ferries reached over 30.5 knots at a constant deadweight of 14.7 tons and achieved a crash stop to reverse mode in 32 seconds - thanks to the remarkable QuickShift® transmissions. Thames Clippers will operate the vessels at approximately 27.5 knots service speed. BSC Marine's previous experience in the construction of the all-aluminum, QuickShift®-equipped CityCats for Brisbane assisted in their selection for this project. |
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