Western Australia company Wesmar has announced an order from Hydraquip of Tasmania, for two bow thruster systems for retrofit installation on a steel-hulled car/passenger ferry.

‘Queenscliff’s’ docking will be improved by the addition of bow thrusters

‘Queenscliff’s’ docking will be improved by the addition of bow thrusters

The order is for two model V2-28, 185 hp counter-rotating dual-prop stainless steel bow thruster systems, to be installed on the 57m-long Queenscliff, a double ended ro-ro catamaran ferry that provides hourly service between the towns of Queensland and Sorento. The 1993-built Queenscliff accommodates 80 vehicles and 700 passengers.

The thrusters are intended to enhance manoeuvering in tight quarters and crowded harbours, and to help hold the vessel steady to the dock during on- and off-loading.