Austal USA Announces Two Vessel Contract

Austal is pleased to announce its US operation, Austal USA, has secured a two vessel order for the construction of 150 ft / 45.7 metre aluminium crew supply vessels to operate in the Gulf of Mexico.

The new vessels have been ordered by Otto Candies LLC of Des Allemands, Louisiana, operators of offshore service vessels and are scheduled for delivery in early 2002. This contract adds to the 82ft / 25 metre high speed passenger catamaran already under construction at Austal USA’s new facility.

Austal USA’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Chris Pemberton, said they were extremely excited to win such a contract not simply because of how important it is to the start of the new yard, but also because these vessels will be able to demonstrate the applicability of aluminium vessel construction to the booming offshore supply industry. The knock-on effects could be significant and not just in the US region.

“These aluminium vessels continue the recent trend towards high speed crew transfers to offshore platforms, improving productivity of the vessels but also allowing access to the deeper fields that are being developed,” said Mr Pemberton.

On announcing the contract, Otto Candies Jr. said the main reasons for choosing Austal USA were the depth of experience and expertise offered by the Austal Group. “We have a desire to continually improve our operations and Austal was able to provide us with the best solution for our requirements while also incorporating their advanced aluminium technology,” said Mr Candies Jr.