The design enhancements mean RUBY OF DUMAI provides a full-load draft of just 1.5-metres, allowing better access to more local ports and infrastructure, while offering significant fuel savings, reduced carbon emissions and faster trip times. The vessels have also been future proofed allowing the operator to choose between different twin MAN D2862 engine set ups – a high speed 1,324kW option, or a standard 1,066kW option.

RUBY OF DUMAI and her sister vessel, which is currently under construction, have been tailored to local conditions ensuring the Dumai Express Group can safely deploy the vessel immediately to meet growing demand for its domestic routes throughout Indonesia.

Built by PT Cahaya Samudra Shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, RUBY OF DUMAI provides a capacity of 271 passengers across a functional two-deck layout that boasts spacious passenger cabins, expansive views and a comfortable travel experience. The vessels’ main deck, capable of seating 213 passengers, features midship entry doors for central boarding near the stairs to the upper deck, with luggage racks positioned both centrally and at the forward end of the cabin. Three bathrooms are located at the rear of the main deck. The full-width upper deck includes seating for 58 passengers, a modern wheelhouse, and a toilet aft.

The arrival of RUBY OF DUMAI continues the expansion of Dumai Express Group’s fleet which now includes a range of 30-metre and 33-metre Incat Crowther designed catamarans, in addition to the operator’s legacy monohull ferries.

Mr Osman, Director at Pt Cahaya Samudra Shipyard said: “RUBY OF DUMAI represents a step change in the Dumai Express Group’s fleet and we’re pleased to see the vessel has successfully completed sea trials. Incat Crowther has delivered a highly capable vessel that meets both our immediate and future needs by offering a world-class customer experience, while increasing our operational capacity and performance.

“Incat Crowther has proven to be a reliable and critical partner for our business as we transition our fleet to efficient, high-performance catamarans," said Mr Osman.

Brett Crowther, C.E.O. at Incat Crowther said: “We’re proud to see RUBY OF DUMAI delivered successfully. This vessel is demonstrative of Incat Crowther’s ability to efficiently deliver high capability, bespoke vessels for operators around the world. One example of this approach in action has been the design of the vessels’ propeller tunnel, which involved our team of naval architects deploying a refined Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis to optimise the design of the hull.”

The second vessel in the fleet is expected to be completed by late 2025.

© Shippax