HSC Francisco

HSC Francisco is a high-speed catamaran built by Incat in Hobart, Tasmania. Powered by liquefied natural gas,^[4] she is currently the fastest passenger ship in service, reaching a speed of 58 knots (107 km/h; 67 mph). Propulsion is by two GE LM2500 gas turbines, coupled with two Wärtsilä water-jets.

Francisco in Buenos Aires
History
Uruguay
Name	HSC Francisco
Namesake	Pope Francis, first Argentine Pope
Owner	2013–present: Buquebus
Route	Buenos Aires—Montevideo
Builder	Incat, Hobart, Tasmania
Yard number	69
Launched	17 November 2012
In service	2013
Homeport	Montevideo, Uruguay
Identification	IMO number: 9610028 MMSI number: 770576272 Callsign: CXOJ
Status	In service
General characteristics
Tonnage	7,109 GT; Summer DWT: 500 t; 1,516 tonnes of displacement[1]
Length	99 m
Beam	26.48 m
Installed power	6 Caterpillar C18 generators for onboard power + 2 Caterpillar C9 generators for main engine services
Propulsion	2 General Electric LM2500 rated at 22 MW each[2] driving 2 Wärtsilä LJX1720 SR Waterjets
Speed	58 knots (67 mph; 107 km/h)
Capacity	1,025 passengers 150 cars[3]

The catamaran is owned and operated by Argentine-Uruguayan ferry company Buquebus. Francisco plies the 146-nautical-mile (270 km; 168 mi) sea route between Buenos Aires and Montevideo,^[5] in around two hours and 45 minutes.

Francisco in Buenos Aires

HSC Francisco is named after Pope Francis.

See also

• List of places and things named after Pope Francis