NEW TRIMARANS’ CLASE ORO VIP LOUNGE TO OFFER THE ULTIMATE HIGH SPEED FERRY EXPERIENCE

MEDIA RELEASE

6 November 2019

Austal (ASX:ASB) and Canary Islands ferry company, Fred. Olsen S.A., are bringing together the best in commercial ferry interior design and premium customer experience for the new ‘Clase Oro’ VIP Lounge on board the new trimarans Bajamar Express and Bañaderos Express - currently under construction in Australia and the Philippines.

The two 118 metre high speed vehicle-passenger ferries are due for delivery to Fred. Olsen S.A. by April 2020 and by the end of 2020 respectively, and will feature new standards in passenger comfort throughout the ship, especially in the VIP Lounge.

Speaking at the recent Interferry 2019 conference in London, Austal CEO David Singleton highlighted the new benchmark in passenger comfort that will be set by the two new Fred. Olsen trimarans.

“The Bajamar Express and Bañaderos Express will really impress the travelling public, with new levels of comfort available in the popular ‘Clase Oro’ lounge,” Mr Singleton said.

“Passengers won’t want to leave this ship, with comforts that include an exclusive balcony area, executive-style reclining seats and GPS configurable, time-sensitive mood lighting.”

Based on the ships’ position (calculated by the GPS) and the timing of the voyage, the ‘human-centric’ lighting automatically adjusts to provide the optimum ambient lighting in the passenger lounges for the best possible customer experience.

Fred. Olsen Express Fleet Director Juan Ignacio Liaño has confirmed that ‘Clase Oro’ passengers will also benefit from priority boarding - and if travelling with a vehicle, priority departure from the ship.

“We really are dialling up the service available to all of our customers on these new ships, but our Clase Oro is truly exciting,” Mr Liaño said.

“You will certainly feel the difference in ‘Clase Oro’, which features the largest skylight on the ship and an improved, aerodynamic balcony design that improves the on-board experience.

“The Clase Oro outdoor terrace has been specifically re-designed to avoid wind gusts, and with new automatic doors that enable quick exit and re-entry to the lounge, our customers will enjoy a much more comfortable and enjoyable journey.”

The two new 118 metre trimarans, designed and constructed by Austal, will be the 4th and 5th high speed vehicle passenger ferries produced by Austal to join the Fred. Olsen S.A. fleet since 2003, and incorporate the very latest in exterior and interior design technology and innovation.

The new ships’ funnels and major pipework have been re-positioned and distributed to reduce noise not only in the Clase Oro lounge but throughout the vessels. A newly developed ceiling design and finish will also contribute to a more sound-proof passenger space that will be noticeably quieter, underway.

Benefiting from the successful, ongoing partnership in commercial vessel research and development between Austal and Fred. Olsen S.A., the new trimarans will also feature multiple bars and kiosks, a retail shop and a children’s play area that will further enhance passenger comfort, amenity and satisfaction.

With a capacity for more than 1,100 passengers (including 66 in the VIP Lounge) and 276 cars each, the Bajamar Express and Bañaderos Express will be very welcome additions to the Fred. Olsen S.A. fleet – and the Santa Cruz, Teneriffe and Agaete, Las Palmas routes in the Canary Islands.

Austal is constructing 2 x 118 metre trimarans for Fred. Olsen SA which will feature upgraded 'Clase Oro' (Gold Class) lounges offering a superior high speed ferry experience. (Image: Austal and Fred. Olsen SA)

Media Contact:

Cameron Morse

+61 433 886 871

cameron.morse@fticonsulting.com