Austal USA Signs Contract for 26 metre Stock Vessel

Austal subsidiary, Austal USA has signed a contract with Lighthouse Fast Ferry of New York (also known as New York Fast Ferry) for the sale of the 26 metre/86ft passenger catamaran being built speculatively at Austal USA’s shipyard facilities in Mobile, Alabama.

Due for delivery in July 2002, the new catamaran will be the third vessel delivered by Austal USA within six months and follows closely the delivery of two crew/supply vessels to Otto Candies LLC in January.

Austal’s Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said the sale was a great result for Austal USA and the Austal group.

“We are very pleased to have finalised the first sale of a passenger catamaran into the United States market,” Mr McKinnon said.

“The vessel is a strong example of the production capabilities of our US based shipyard and we are confident that the vessel will be a great asset for Lighthouse Fast Ferry.”

The passenger catamaran will operate at a service speed of 27 knots, with the capacity to transport 189 seated passengers on the 60 minute journey between Keyport and Manhattan, with weekend charters including the very popular Yankee Stadium package.
The large increase in demand for the New Jersey route has been attributed to the closure of the PATH train, a subway link south from Manhattan, as a result of the tragic events of September 11 last year.

In honour of the death of Lighthouse Fast Ferry Vice President Tony Colasanti’s son during last year’s World Trade Centre attacks, the vessel will be named the “Christopher Colasanti”.

Designed by Austal Ships to meet USCG Subchapter K regulations (46 CFR), this catamaran also features bow loading, a kiosk for snacks and drinks (especially popular in the morning and evening commuter runs) and seats from Beurteaux of Australia. ADA compatible features such as a ramp entry over the bow, 36 inch aisles and ADA rest room are also featured.

In other projects, Austal USA continues with the construction of a 34 metre dinner cruise vessel for Island Queen Cruises of Miami, Florida. Due for delivery in November 2002, the dinner cruise catamaran will operate in the Miami and Biscayne Bay area, offering a variety of charter options appealing to corporate and large private groups.

Principal Particulars
Length Overall: 86ft - 4in (26.32m)
Beam: 26ft - 3in (8.0m)
Depth Moulded: 9ft - 2in (2.8m)
Draft: 5ft - 9in (1.75m)
Passengers: 189 plus 2 ADA positions
Crew: 4
Deadweight: 40,000 lb
Propulsion Package
Engines: 2 x Detroit 16V 2000 diesels rated at 1285bhp at 2100 rpm
Propellers: 2 x Fixed Pitch
Gearboxes: 2 x Twin Disc MG 6619
Speed: 27 knots
Fuel Consumption: 130 gallons/hr
Range (approx): 350 nautical miles
Class: 46CFR Subchapter K