GTS “Patricia Olivia II”: the end of a Uruguayan landmark of Buquebús

The catamaran “Patricia Olivia II”, belonging to the Uruguayan company Buquebús Los Cipreses, has embarked on its final journey to the scrapyard in the port of Montevideo. It had been out of service for a long time due to being uneconomical and surpassed by the new additions of the aforementioned shipping company, among which the catamaran “Francisco” stands out.

Construction number 990 from the shipyard Robert E. Derector Inc., in Mamaroneck (New York, USA), initially named “Ernest Hemingway” at the start of its construction in November 1997, was launched on April 16, 1999, as “Patricia Olivia II”. A route between Fort Meyers and Key West was initially planned, which did not materialize, and it was positioned on the regular line between Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, where it made a great impression and achieved well-deserved success.

In its maritime life, there was an incident that occurred on April 6, 2008, during the docking maneuver at the port of Colonia. In its later years, it operated under Seacat on the successful route connecting both countries.

In its day, this catamaran was a very innovative vessel and attracted the attention of the sector, as it was powered by four Lycoming Avco TF40 gas turbines manufactured by Allied Signal Engines, with a power of 11,768 kW, two Cincinnati MA107 gearboxes, and two Bird Johnson MJP950DD water jets. In sea trials at full load, it reached a speed of 53 knots, and in ballast, it climbed to 57 knots, with a range of 175 miles. With three turbines, it maintained 42/43 knots without difficulty, but for consumption reasons, it operated with two turbines and maintained between 36 and 38 knots.

Designed by Nigel Gee and Associated Ltd. and with interior design by Julio César Ortega, it had a capacity for 304 passengers, including 50 in first class and five crew members. Weighing 727 gross tons, 222 net tons, and 37 tons deadweight, it measured 45.60 m in overall length, 11.80 m in beam, 4.70 m in depth, and 1.50 m in draft. IMO Code 9207314.

In its glory days, docked at the port of Buenos Aires

Photos: via Fernando Pontolillo and Bruno Leonardo Pricoli (shipspotting.com)