Inaugural Vessel Launched at Austal Tasmania

The first of two 47.5 metre passenger catamaran ferries for New World First Ferry (Macau) has been launched at Austal Tasmania, marking a historic milestone for the growing shipyard.

With new orders for the shipyard currently being finalised and a workforce which has grown from 40 to more than 120 during the past 12 months, the inaugural launch signals the emergence of Austal Tasmania as a significant member of Austal’s global production capacity.

Located in Margate, south of Tasmanian capital Hobart, the modern shipbuilding facility was purchased by Austal in February 2007 and boasts a history of quality aluminium ship construction.

Austal Executive Manager Stephen Lupi said the Tasmanian shipyard was an important addition to Austal’s worldwide production facilities.

“With a focus on small to medium size construction, our Tasmanian yard further diversifies Austal’s current capabilities, allowing the fast delivery of smaller vessel orders built to the highest quality standards at a competitive cost,” he said.

The two New World First Ferries are scheduled to enter service later in the year to meet the growing tourism demand generated from the dramatic increase in Macau’s tourist arrivals since the development of its gaming and mega-resort industry.

With five Austal 47.5 metre high speed passenger catamarans already in service in the New World First Ferry fleet, the latest ferries operate at service speeds in excess of 42 knots while carrying 418 passengers.

Both vessels will be powered by four MTU 16V 4000 M70, each producing 2320kW and driving Rolls Royce / Kamewa waterjets.

The two vessels are among 16 Austal passenger ferries currently on order for the China / Hong Kong region, seven of which have already been delivered. Upon completion of its latest order, Austal will have delivered 52 vessels to the region.

The second vessel is scheduled for launch at the end of May 2008.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS Length Overall: 47.5 metres Length Waterline: 43.9 metres Beam Moulded: 11.8 metres Hull Depth Moulded: 3.8 metres Maximum Draft: 1.6 metres Maximum deadweight: 70 tonnes Passengers: 418 Crew: 8 Fuel (maximum): 20,000 litres

PROPULSION Engines: 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M70; 2320kW at 2000rpm each Gearboxes: 4 x Reintjes VLJ 930 Waterjets: 4 x Kamewa 63 SII Service Speed: 42.5 knots

SURVEY Classification: Det Norske Veritas +1A1 HSLC Passenger R2 EO