ferry service

[catbaloo]

I am trying to conduct a feasibility study as to a possibile ferry service.
The country is in Asia where the roads are extremely poor yet the tourism is picking up.
The trip would be from the airport, which is on the coast, down the coast to various hotels. The longest trip could be 160km.
I am brain storming this by myself and am afraid that I may overlook an important aspect of the research.
If anyone wishes to add a heading I would appreciate it.
I have tried to group the titles.

Who will use it?
tourists
locals
no of flights per day
time of flights
no of possible passengers
destination of passengers
number of trips

From where to where?
km
time by road
time by sea

Available harbours?
harbour size
quay side and docking
dedicated berthing area within the harbour

How long is the season?
High season sea conditions
low season sea conditions
dual purpose cargo and passengers

Capacity / comfort?
no of seats
boat speed

Capital costs?
size of boat
design costs
method of construction
cost of construction
place of construction

Opperational costs?
running costs fuel etc
crew costs
licensing, DOT or similar
mooring fees

fare per km?


Thanks in advance
Geoff

[jdannshipdesign]

The Triplate 130+ is designed with three needs in mind, the needs of the operator, passenger and environment. It takes the best from conventional ferries and adds it too ingenuity to create a superb ferry for the 21st century. The Triplate 130+ has various superb ideas onboard, ranging from movable mezzanine decks, to a full two floor-viewing gallery. The environment has been thought about to, with filtration services and catalytic converters onboard to ensure the Triplate 130 leaves as little impact on its environment as possible. Email me on Jdannshipdesign@surefish.co.uk or Jdannshidpesign@hotmail.com for more information.

[catbaloo]

Jdannshipdesign,
Thanks for the reply.
Your Triplate 130+ has produced some impressive numbers.
I however am looking at something a lot smaller.
The ferry route I am proposing would include some small fishing harbours.
Without completing the study, I doubt if I could go bigger that 20 mtrs.
I am still open to all suggestions.
Regards.
Geoff

[jdannshipdesign]

Shall I produce a smaller design using many of the features that the Triplate 130 has?

[catbaloo]

Jdannshipdesign,
I could not download any of the pictures on your webpage.
I would be curious to see your design.
However is this not a bit premature? I should first complete the study.
Regards

[jdannshipdesign]

Unfortunently I am having diffculty getting images onto my site, however if you do with to view images goto: http://groups.msn.com/photosssssssss...ipdesign.msnwI hope to have some designs up in the near future

[CDBarry]

Go to the SNAME website (www.sname.org) and look at the work of Panel O-36, maritime economics. Also the SF WTA (www.watertransit.org).

Getting the requirements and parameters right is far and away the most imoportant part of a commercial (or military) design - once you have this right, the rest is easy.

Note that the regulatory environment is a big key.

[jdannshipdesign]

These all seem intresting, I have designed, a 20m vessel that could be used for small commuter routes, Please email me at jdannshipdesign@hotmail.com or jdannshipdesign@surefish.co.uk for more information

[catbaloo]

CDBarry,

Thank you for the posting. I am sure I can find some helpfull information there.

Regards

[CDBarry]

The (US) National Transportation Reseacrh Board (www.trb.org) has a great deal of references on transport planning. They recently published a level of service manula that includes a chapter on ferry design.

Victoria Transport Policy Institute (www.vtpi.org) covers a wide range of general transport issues, some of which may be useful.

[davidjgray]

Dear Sir

Comments regarding getting the planning right are spot on. We are currently involved with development of our Spirit class 36 Passenger fast ferry (15m, 36 passengers, 18+knots, shllow draft - very manourverable, fuel efficient - I'll stop there - see the website at www.acemarine.co.uk for details). We have Spirit 50 on the drawing board 18m, 50 passengers, aiming at 35 knots for a local service. There is a lot of synergy between these Spirit class boats and aircraft, as they were designed around refurbished-aircraft seating. We would be happy to assist you with input into the planning phase or after you have decided on your requirements.

Best of luck

David Gray

[catbaloo]

Thank you both CD Barry and David.
I will be visiting the area later this month. My main concern is the size of the harbours down the coast. I think this may be the deciding factor, at least to boat size and capacity.
Will keep posting.
Regards
Geoff

[catbaloo]

I have returned from a visit to the area.
Unfortunately due to excessive bureaurcacy, the fact that they have startred a road and undersize harbours I feel it is best to forget this idea.

To all those who contributed to this thread, I would like to say thanks.