Red Jet 6, Red Funnel’s new 41 metre Hi-Speed catamaran which is under construction on the Isle of Wight will be the first to carry the new identity when she enters the water for the first time in June.
The sleek new look is designed to stand-out on the water and was inspired by the customary wake of a waterjet propelled vessel travelling at high speed through the waves. The new livery will be applied to the rest of the Red Jet fleet as part of their annual dry-docking cycle.
Work on Red Jet 6 at East Cowes is progressing well with a number of important milestones reached. Most of the structural aluminium work on the twin hulls and the accommodation section, which sits alongside, has been completed and certified.
Attention has now turned to the highly complex interior electrical, plumbing and equipment fit-out. The vessels four MTU 2000 series engines and twin generator sets have been installed in the hulls and the engine rooms are a hive of activity as a myriad of ancillary equipment is carefully mounted into position.
The fit-out of the passenger accommodation has also started and the bridge console and control station is rapidly taking shape as complex electronic components are fitted into their pre-allocated positions. One of the most critical milestones will be to unite the accommodation section with the twin hulls. Two cranes will be used for this very delicate operation and once in position the section will be attached to the hulls using shock-absorbing resilient mounts to maximise passenger comfort.
The quad MJP waterjets will also be installed in April and work will begin on applying the specialist vinyl coatings. Wrapping the vessel in vinyl rather than conventional paint is a first for Red Funnel and promises to save weight, improve fuel efficiency and provide long-term durability.
Red Jet 6 will enter the water for trials and crew training in June and will be officially named at a high profile ceremony in Cowes on 4th July 2016.
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