Vessel Features

FastCat was specifically designed to suit the weather and sea conditions in the Philippines.

FastCat is certified and classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), indicating compliance with the latest international safety rules and regulations. That is why FastCat is SAFER than other RORO vessels.

A typical RORO being used in the Philippines has only one hull. Unlike them, FastCat is a CATAMARAN with two hulls and 10 water tight compartments. FastCat’s twin-hull design makes her more stable because her center of buoyancy and gravity is wider than a monohull.

FastCat keeps the water out of the vessel. This is why she doesn’t have a ballast tank like other RORO vessels. This makes her safer, lighter and faster than the rest.

FastCat can accommodate more than 300

passengers, including the disabled and the elderly. She also has a capacity of approximately 300 lane meters for trucks, cars and other land vehicles. She can hold up to 34 to 40 cars and 7 to 12 trucks / buses.

FastCat runs at an average speed of 16 knots. Therefore, she is faster than most RORO vessels in the Philippines. It can be attributed to the vessel’s design and because she is powered by four internationally-classed and ABS-certified Yanmar engines. Most RORO vessels only have one.

FastCat uses a pro-environment ferry engine, having passed the TIER 2 emission standards in sulphur and carbon dioxide. In short, she performs better than most RORO engines and emits less harmful substances.

In case of emergency, a single engine mono hull RORO vessel has to stop the voyage and may not be able to return to port. In contrast, FastCat has four engines and a twin hull. Therefore, it is better equipped to handle engine emergencies than most RORO vessels. FastCat is also the only ferry compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s Safe Return to Port (SRtP) regulation.

FastCat has a clearance between the water and the hull of three meters. It is three times higher than most RORO vessels. If a one-meter wave hits the vessel, water will not get inside the car deck or the hull, mitigating the risk of a major maritime disasters.

FastCat is compliant with the international fire safety standards. Her passenger accommodation area and engine room are insulated with the highest and internationally-certified A60 fire protection system. FastCat is also equipped with a complete fire alarm system including the latest FM 200 inside the engine rooms. This will ensure the safety of the crew in case of an emergency.

For the passenger seats, FastCat uses E-leather, a fire-retardant, durable and environment-friendly material that is imported from the United Kingdom. This material is unique because it takes a longer time to combust compared to regular leather or other upholstery materials.

FastCat uses a state-of-the-art navigation and control system. She has two steering control systems. In case of failure, she can shift from automatic to manual steering. Therefore, FastCat is capable of taking the passengers safely to shore.

The vessel has two auxiliary engines that provide electricity. FastCat is pro-environment because the bridge control system is primarily powered by solar panels and wind turbines. All these state-of-the-art features simply means that FastCat has a 100 percent redundancy on performance and safety. Therefore, minimizing the risk of maritime accidents.

FastCat comes with clean comfort rooms for both men and women as well as the disabled.

FastCat’s design incorporates international, environmental and safety standards and she is rated to function and perform for 45 years.

Most importantly, the crew of FastCat are competent and ready to be of service to the riding public. Regular trainings are undertaken to keep abreast with the latest technology, information and international best practices to ensure the safety of passengers at all times. This also uplifts their level of competency and quality of service.