New World First Ferry Orders Two High Speed Passenger Ferries

Austal and New World First Ferry Services (Macau) Limited (First Ferry (Macau)) have announced the order of two new high-speed catamarans for operation between Macau and Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

With five Austal 47.5 metre high speed passenger catamarans already in service in the New World First Ferry fleet these new ferries will be near copies of the proven design, optimised for service speeds in excess of 42 knots and the comfortable carriage of 418 passengers with high quality passenger amenities.

Austal Sales Manager, Chris Pemberton, commented on the significance of this repeat order to Austal, “As a designer and manufacturer of high speed vessels it provides great satisfaction to receive this new order from First Ferry (Macau) given their commitment to providing a superior passenger service and following the success in service of the five vessels previously delivered by Austal.”

The new ferries are scheduled to enter service in 2008 to meet the growing tourism demand generated from the remarkable increase in the Macau's tourist arrivals since the development of the gaming and mega-resort industry and the extension of Individual Visitor Scheme.

Mr. Tsang Yam Pui, Vice Chairman of First Ferry (Macau), said, “To meet the growing demand and remain competitive, First Ferry (Macau) needs to sustain the qualities that bring us success by bringing in brand new catamarans to provide superb cross-border voyages between Macau and Hong Kong. The acquisition of two new Austal catamarans demonstrates First Ferry (Macau)'s dedication to pursue a high standard of passenger comfort and operational safety and its commitment to the development of Macau."

Since 1988 Austal has delivered thirty six high speed passenger ferries to the Hong Kong / China market providing an essential public transport solution for passengers traveling between Hong Kong and the Pearl River.

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