West Australian based international day cruise operator, Bali Hai Cruises completes a major refit and life extension of their flagship 36m aluminium catamaran Bali Hai II.
Originally built by Austal, Bali Hai II has operated a day cruise program to the company’s water activities pontoon and island beach club at Lembongan Island followed by an evening dinner cruise since 1994. 23 years later the vessel returned to Henderson, Western Australia for a comprehensive six week make-over that included the lengthening and narrowing of her hulls, new drive-train and gensets, galley, wet areas, windows, seats and flooring all to ensure the vessel remains Bali’s premier day cruise operation.
Having worked closely with Bali Hai Cruises over 24 months to investigate vessel replacement and life extension options, International Maritime Consultants (IMC) advised on propulsion and hull modifications to improve the running efficiency of the existing vessel. In conjunction with Dave Mathison of WestJet Propulsion, Bali Hai Cruises upgraded the MTU 12V 396 main engines to a pair of MTU 16V 2000 M72 and replaced the original MJP waterjets with Hamilton HM811s.
IMC provided the design for a 2.7 metre extension and narrowing of the hulls aft while incorporating the new drive train, with the team at Niche Marine, headed by Rob Clayton, undertaking the structural modifications.
With equipment delivered and hull modules completed prior to the vessel’s arrival from Bali, the well-orchestrated team of local contractors and crew ensured the refit was turned around in the shortest possible time, ready to have the vessel back in service for the Christmas season.
Having shown a top speed of 29.7 knots on trials and now on her way north heading for home, Bali Hai Cruises managing director, Richard Chandler, said he was delighted with the outcome of the project. “The vessel is looking fantastic and initial indications show an improvement in fuel consumption of nearly 50%. It is a credit to all involved. I’m certain the vessel will continue to serve the company well for many years to come.” he said.
IMC’s Justin McPherson commented that “the improved hull form and engine technologies had allowed IMC to provide Bali Hai Cruises with a significant economic saving while lowering their carbon footprint. This philosophy can be applied to many vessels in operation today.”
ENDS
About IMC:
International Maritime Consultants (IMC) is an independent Australian naval architecture consultancy based in Fremantle. With expertise in naval architecture, offshore and marine engineering, structural design and analysis, regulatory compliance and commercial shipbuilding, IMC offers marine services spanning;
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W.M. (Bill) Hicks
Commercial Manager
International Maritime Consultants Pty Ltd
