Below the Decks on Coral Adventurer

Innovative technology and forward-thinking come together in our new ship design

The 120-passenger Coral Adventurer has been purposefully designed by Coral Expeditions, bringing together the company’s 34 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. Including some of the latest advances in marine and environmental technology, we are pleased to share some facts and figures for those curious about what is below the decks.

Power and Propulsion

The Coral Adventurer is powered by two Rolls-Royce Azipull thrusters that enable the central propulsion of the vessel. The Azipull thrusters work as both propellers and rudders, which makes the ship very quiet in operation. They maintain excellent manoeuvrability at slow speed, when anchoring in remote locations or coming into port. They also offer both high hydrodynamic and fuel efficiency along with low noise and vibration levels.  A substantial rudder area also delivers excellent course stability and Azipull units allow the aft end of the hull to be optimised for minimum resistance and simplified construction.

It combines the advantage of the pulling propeller with the flexibility of using almost any type of drive to suit specific vessel requirements. In the case of the Coral Adventurer, a Marelli Motori electric motor is used for the propulsion drive.

Water Supply and Treatment

Two state of the art reverse osmosis water generators have been fitted which can produce in excess of 100,000 litres of freshwater each day. Approximately half of this volume is used daily when we operate with a full complement of passengers and crew. The vessels’ grey water is treated through a high-tech onboard processing plant. This stable supply of freshwater ensures guest comfort and reliable ship operations on long voyages. We are even able to assist disbursement freshwater to drought-affected village communities on our voyages.

Heating

Coral Adventurer has a modern heat recovery system installed that generates all the hot water onboard the vessel. Fitted to the two main engines, the system is connected to the outlet responsible for cooling water, using the excess heat from the engines to heat water for the ship’s domestic use eliminating the need to use fuel to produce hot water. The heat recovery system is generally run overnight when passengers are sleeping, and the galley is closed.

Diesel Electro Propulsion

Three diesel generators are onboard. Two 1360 kW generators and one 940 kW generator are used in variable configurations to allow optimal operation and fuel efficiency throughout the voyage. In other words, the Coral Adventurer only produces as much power as is required at any time, and this is accomplished by having the configuration and output of the combined generators running at synchronised levels matching the needs at the time of day / night.  For example, at anchor we can operate on the 940-kW generator at between 50 -70 % load. If we are going for a slow steam, we can add one large generator to the small generator or run both large generators. This way, we can operate all the engines at their optimal efficiency of approximately 70%. The mechanical engine that runs the generator is a Caterpillar and the propulsion system itself is Rolls Royce.

Variable Speed Drives

All large electric motor loads are driven via variable speed drives. This includes the main propulsion unit. The advantages include being able to operate fans and pumps at the most efficient speed as demanded by the service. For example, all our air-conditioning fans run at the speed dependent on the temperature. Our pumps for cooling water and domestic water likewise can vary their output as required by matching their speed.

 

Fascinating facts about Coral Adventurer

  • The CA fuel storage tanks are capable of 31 days continuous free steaming, which amounts to 8000 nautical miles at a speed of 10.5 knots.
  • We have an area affectionately known as ‘Bunnings‘ on board that stores everything from spare knives and forks to new mooring lines and deck equipment for months at a time.
  • There are two decks beneath the passenger decks designated for crew rooms and facilities including a crew mess, crew recreation lounge and gym, along with an onboard medical zone.
  • CA has two anchors which weigh 3 tonnes each.
  • The biggest maintenance challenge for our marine engineers is caused by water build-up in the fuel tank due to condensation. When a tank is left only partly filled, it draws in air as it expands and contracts, and the moisture in that air condenses inside the tanks requiring ongoing management.
  • There are ten outboard engines on board. The Captain’s use high tech electronic engines and unleaded outboards as they have superior power to weight ratio over a diesel outboard and operate more cleanly.
  • Coral Adventurer has two large chiller units with two air conditioning compressors. Even with one system down, a single unit is enough to cool the entire ship so there is more than enough air conditioning for the entire vessel to continue operating in tropical conditions.
  • There are 15 sets of diving gear, with 12 bottles and unlimited refills as this is performed on board the vessel.
  • Food waste is processed, stored and treated for disposal on shore. Coral Expeditions is committed to a reduction in the use of plastics across the fleet.