Two new 41 metre Harbour Cruise Vessels for Hong Kong

Following the official handover of three recently completed Austal passenger ferries, Austal has signed a contract with New World First Travel Services, a sister company to New World First Ferry (NWFF) of Hong Kong, for two new harbour cruise vessels.

Scheduled for delivery in October 2003, the 41 metre catamarans will be built by Austal subsidiary Image Marine and will transport 351 passengers at a cruising speed of approximately 16 knots.

Austal Ships’ Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said there was no better reference for a company than a client returning with repeat orders.

“The signing of this contract is testament to both the strong relationship between the New World group of companies, the Austal Group and the workmanship of the Austal team,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Austal established its reputation building vessels of this size for Hong Kong and we are pleased to continue our presence in this market with one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading ferry operators.”

Once delivered and operating in Hong Kong harbour, the vessels will be instantly recognizable with a distinctive water-spouting, fibreglass dragon trailing from bow to stern.

Mr John Hui, Director and General Manager of First Ferry (Macau) said the recent experience working with Austal during the build of the first three ferries was a key factor in the decision to award the new contract to Austal.

"We have established a good relationship with Austal during the first contract and we look forward to this continuing during the construction of the two new vessels,” Mr Hui said.

"We are very pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of our first three Austal ferries and we look forward to similar success with the harbour cruise vessels."

The new order takes the current Austal group order book to 17 vessels representing a total contract value of over $440 million. Vessels under construction include two passenger-cargo ferries at Image Marine, five luxury motor yachts at Oceanfast, four medium sized vessels at Austal USA and two cruise yachts and an 86 metre vehicle-passenger ferry at Austal Ships.