Azam Marine tasked Incat Crowther with both design and quality assurance services throughout the design, build and sea trials of KILIMANJARO IX. Incat Crowther’s in-depth quality assurance process has seen the digital shipbuilder implement a rigorous risk assessment and quality review process throughout every stage of the project to reduce and mitigate potential risks. Incat Crowther’s service included a dedicated resource to Azam Marine throughout the project to coordinate a formal review programme with AFAI Southern Shipyard to ensure KILIMANJARO IX gets successfully delivered on time, and on budget.   

Capable of transporting 679 passengers at speeds of up to 37 knots, KILIMANJARO IX offers spacious and comfortable indoor seating for 334 passengers on the main deck with 40 additional seats on the fore deck and space for 11 standing passengers on the vessel’s aft deck. The vessel’s air-conditioned main deck also features large luggage storage areas, a kiosk and five bathrooms, including one that is wheelchair accessible.

The vessel’s upper deck features covered outdoor seating for 200 passengers as well as a large, air-conditioned VIP cabin for 72 passengers in two distinct categories – a 56-seat VIP class, and a 16-seat Royal class. The upper deck also features a large kiosk, four bathrooms and the vessel’s wheelhouse.

Abubakar Aziz Salim, Chief Executive of Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries said: “Incat Crowther has been a trusted partner for our business as we have expanded our fleet. The eleven previous vessels designed by Incat Crowther have been robust, reliable, easy to maintain and fuel-efficient. The launch of KILIMANJARO IX is an important milestone as we grow to meet customer demand. Incat Crowther’s in-depth quality assurance process has ensured this project travelled smoothly from commissioning through to design, construction and trials. We’re looking forward to seeing KILIMANJARO IX in sea trials and welcoming the vessel into service next year.”

Brett Crowther, CEO of Incat Crowther said: “In addition to providing bespoke design support, this project has seen Incat Crowther’s team work closely with our shipbuilding partners at AFAI Southern Shipyard by providing project and quality management services. This partnership sees an Incat Crowther expert regularly on the ground throughout the build phase of the project to streamline communication and has ensured KILIMANJARO IX was delivered to plan.“

KILIMANJARO IX will undergo sea trials in late 2025 and enter service in early 2026.