Page 61: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 1995)

The TriCat is built from a curious combination of aluminium amd spe- cially moulded FRP with the former used to create the structure itself and the latter bolted on in sandwich panels for cosmetic effect. The re- sult is sleekness, good compensa- tion for any added weight that the composite finery brings. Aluminium plate with longitudinal stiffeners and web frames are used for the hull, and extruded planks welded edge-to-edge, with integral T stiff- eners, for the deck.

The superstructure, along with passenger cabin interiors, is meant to emulate travelling first class in a jumbo jet. Interior decor includes hand-painted murals, burr walnut inlays, leather, hand-woven carved wool carpets, co-ordinated uphol- stery, specially styled wall and ceil- ing panels and marble-lined toilet compartments. Nicholson Interiors made the initial design plans real- ity. Full size mock-ups were pro- duced for the client's approval, and involved a change from traditional aluminium internal profiles to the use of phenolic resin and Nomex panels in vacuum formed sections, technology well established in the aircraft industry. George Wong, chairman of The Hong Kong

Parkview Group, worked closely with both designers on the exterior and, most particularly, interior styl- ing.

Passenger comfort was also part of the reason for selecting a gas turbine propulsion system. Each vessel is to be powered by a pair of 7000 hp Taurus 60M turbines sup- plied by Solar Turbines Inc. (part of the Caterpillar group) coupled to

KaMeWa wateijet units.

The compact size and power to weight ratio of the turbines are key advantages for the TriCat as they enable it to generate increased rev- enue by carrying greater payloads at higher speeds than ferries of a comparable size powered by larger heavier reciprocating engines.

Other major benefits to the operator include high reliability, long over- haul intervals and low maintenance requirements. Passengers will gain from a very low vibration level and easily attenuated sound signature and, equally importantly, swift travel on the Hong Kong Macau route as sea trials revealed TriCat's ability to exceed its estimated top speed of 47 knots and to attain 52 knots (60 mph).

Furthermore, the Taurus units have been equipped with Solar

Turbine's computer based

Turbotronic control systems to moni- tor and control all dynamic and static operating parameters and provision has been made for a Maritime Dy- namics ride control system which will be installed on a test basis.

Capable of carrying up to 318 passengers on two decks with a first class upper cabin and special VIP lounge, Universal Mk 2001 perhaps owes its existence to a smaller 115- ft. (35 m) pre-production model —

Universal Mk VI — which was the first to feature the TriCat style bow.

Purchased by CTS-Parkview for service on the Hong Kong to

Shenzhen Airport route, the vessel

January, 1995

The

Universal

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