Austal Confirms Order for Bermuda Marine Police Service

Australian design suits international requirements.

Following the recent announcement of Austal being awarded six 16 metre aluminium monohull boats for the Water Police in the Australian state of New South Wales the proven design has found favour with the Bermuda Marine Police Service who has ordered a further vessel.

To be based in Hamilton Harbour for general patrol, search and rescue, dive operations and general assistance to Police departments and Government agencies in Bermuda Territorial Waters, the new boat offers a significant range increase over the current vessel that is soon to be retired.

Commenting on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, Police Sergeant Keith Senior said, “We were initially impressed with the nine boats delivered to the Sydney Water Police by Austal in 2000. Having inspected the vessels and spoken directly to the Water Police to confirm their performance, we were even further assured to select an Austal design when a further order for six boats was recently placed.”

With over 150 vessels delivered to leading operators in 28 countries, ranging from 16 to 127 metres in length, Austal is pleased to include Bermuda onto this list as a valued customer.

“Austal prides itself on delivering customised solutions at competitive prices for all vessel sizes and types”, said Glenn Williams, Manager Sales and Product Development.

Key features of the Austal 16 metre patrol boat include:

• Aluminium construction.
• Designed and built to operate up to 200 nautical miles offshore.
• 400 nautical miles range at cruising speed (20 knots).
• Very extensive electronics package in order to fulfil duties as the principal Search and Rescue (SAR) and surveillance authority in the region.
• Crew of 3/4.

With the construction of twelve 56 metre Armidale Class and six 16 metre patrol boats currently underway for the Royal Australian Navy and New South Wales Water Police, Austal is now heavily focussed on finalising the 127 metre trimaran design for the anticipated construction of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the US Navy.

Construction of a potential 60 to 85 ships over a 15 year period has been identified for future US navy fleet requirements.

In addition to this new order, Austal is currently building fast catamaran vehicle-passenger ferries for Virtu Ferries (Malta), Hawaii Superferry (USA) and two for L’Express des Iles (Guadeloupe). Also on order are 37 and 58 metre cruise vessels for private and charter use.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS:

Length overall: 16.0 metres
Beam: 4.87 metres
Draft: 1.25 metres

PROPULSION:

Main engines: 2 x Caterpillar C12, 492 kW each
Gearboxes 2 x Twin Disc Quickshift MGX 5114A

Maximum speed: 28 knots
Cruise speed 20 knots

SURVEY:

Australian Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code Class 2B

ENDS