Multi-million Dollar Catamaran MV Titiroa

4 December 2011

Multi-million Dollar Catamaran MV Titiroa

Real Journeys brand new multi-million dollar catamaran, the MV Titiroa, is undergoing sea trials off the coast of Wanganui. But one of the biggest challenges facing the company is getting the vessel down to its Doubtful Sound operations.

The vessel weighs around 55 tonnes, is almost 24 metres in length, 7.5 metres wide and is destined for the Lake Manapouri crossing. Once the vessel has travelled by sea to Bluff, (via Lyttleton) it has to be lifted out of the water and have its wheelhouse roof and propellers removed for road transportation.

Significant planning and engineering has been undertaken for both the road trip and launch at Lake Manapouri, because there are no established launching facilities.

“It’s something of a logistical nightmare. It’s a bit like carting a whale out of water - the forces are against you. I think it’s probably the largest thing to move on these roads since the power station days. The transporter has had to import a trailer to carry it,” said Real Journeys General Manager of Engineering, Brian Humphrey.

Built in 15 months by Q-West boat builders in Wanganui, the MV Titiroa is the result of five years of planning and research by Real Journeys. One of its more unusual features is its double glazing; to regulate the temperature efficiently, make it quieter (less engine noise) and help prevent windows fogging up, a problem sometimes caused by the unique Fiordland weather. The hull of the aluminium boat has been painted with Intersleek to help streamline it in the water to save emissions. It has LED lighting throughout to make it more energy efficient and recycling facilities on board. Energy efficient “hand sweepers” have been installed for drying hands instead of paper towels and crockery instead of paper cups. It will be the largest vessel on the lake and can carry up to 138 passengers; this will cut down the number of vessels travelling across the lake at peak season.

The wharves at both ends of Lake Manapouri have also being upgraded and extended to cater for the MV Titiroa which is due to start operations in January 2012.

Once passengers have crossed Lake Manapouri they’ll board one of two new Volvo coaches to take them across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. On arrival at the fiord passengers embark for their three-hour day cruise on another multi-million dollar purpose-built vessel “Patea Explorer”, which was launched just five years ago.

For more information about the Doubtful Sound Cruises please visit:
http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/Doubtful/

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