International Catarmaran

Abstract

Chapter 12: International Catamaran International Catamaran (Incat) created a new category of ships:lightweight, high-speed catamarans propelled by water jets rather than propellers. The boats are large, fast and highly manoeuvrable. They can enter a port, unload and reload and leave again in twelve minutes. The Hobart-based company has built more than 40 per cent of the world's vehicle and passenger ferries more than 70 metres in length. Incat grew at a tremendous rate until the severe downturn in tourism and travel following the terror attacks on 11 September 2001 left it with excess inventory and reduced prospects. It traded through receivership and the loss of about 75 per cent of its staff to return to approximately its former size.