Spanish Destination for First Auto Express 101

Austal Ships is pleased to confirm the sale of its first 101 metre Auto Express vehicle-passenger ferry to Euroferrys of Spain.

The 101 metre “Euroferrys Pacifica” has the distinction of not only being the largest of Austal’s flagship Auto Express car ferries yet to be built, but is also the largest high speed catamaran in the world with diesel propulsion.

Austal’s Sales Director, Chris Norman, said “Austal’s ability to fully customise, and without a doubt, the efficient vehicle handling of the Auto Express design, were principal reasons why Euroferrys chose Austal to develop this very exciting project, in particular, the bow door permits full utilisation of the vessel’s 340 freight lane metres (at 3.5 metre width). Euroferrys have a fantastic operation and we look forward to delivering the premier vessel to the region.”

The vessel has a sizeable 750 tonne deadweight and a new Austal design innovation in the garage – a hoistable vehicle ramp to facilitate a mix of vehicle and commercial/freight carriage. With the capacity for 951 passengers and 251 cars, “Euroferrys Pacifica” will operate on the 16 nautical mile route between Algeciras on the southern coast of Spain and Ceuta in Spanish Morocco.

“Euroferrys Pacifica” is currently preparing to undergo sea trials prior to her April departure to Spain. The delivery voyage from Fremantle in Western Australia will cover approximately 8,350 nautical miles with ports of call to include the Cocos Islands, Male (Maldives) and Djibouti before reaching her final destination of Algeciras.