Austal Secures Contract with US Marine Corps

Austal Ships is pleased to announce the signing of a world first contract with the US Marine Corps to charter a 101 metre high speed Theatre Logistics Vessel. Arriving in Okinawa, Japan on 11th July 2001, the 101m “WestPac Express” is the largest of Austal’s Auto Express series of vehicle-passenger ferries and showcases the talent and diversity of the Western Australian shipyard.

Austal’s Managing Director, Bob McKinnon said, “The Marines considered a number of vessels available from our competitors however, Austal’s reputation as a world leader in the construction of high speed aluminium vessels through customised design and the application of advanced technology, and our ability to customise for fast turnaround times in addition to individual operational requirements proved to be a winning combination in securing the contract.”

“We are extremely proud that Austal was selected by the US Military to be the first supplier of a Theatre Logistics Vessel,” said Mr McKinnon.

Austal developed the high speed Theatre Logistics Vessel to enhance the capability of military organisations to rapidly move large numbers of troops and cargo during military operations. The vessel has large bow and stern ramps enabling her to load and unload military vehicles in low infrastructure ports. With strengthened decks, internal hoistable ramps and mezzanine decks the vessel can carry a wide mix of military vehicles.

“WestPac Express” is being chartered by the Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) for the rapid deployment of Marine battalions and equipment in the Western Pacific for training exercises. The contract involves an initial ‘proof of concept’ period of approximately two months, but it is anticipated that this will be extended for a longer period once the vessel demonstrates its ability to meet the Marines’ needs.

With the capacity for 951 passengers and 251 cars and a maximum speed of 36 knots, “WestPac Express” will operate between White Beach Okinawa, Yokosuka Naval Base, Iwakuni, and other ports in Japan.

The vessel will enable III MEF to rapidly transport a complete battalion of 950 marines together with up to 550 tonnes of vehicles and equipment, in one lift, with considerable strategic and cost advantages. “WestPac Express” is also fully truck capable and has a maximum deadweight of 750 tonnes. It has a 15 tonne axle load and is capable of carrying ten 40 tonne trucks. Lane widths are 3.5 metres and the bow door allows for very quick loading and discharge times.

In addition to the custom design of the vessel to suit military application, a unique Austal design innovation is featured in the garage. The hoistable vehicle deck features 1190 lane metres including 341 freight lane metres and can facilitate a mix of vehicle and commercial/freight carriage. The hoistable deck (full length of the vessel) has four hydraulically operated sections that can be operated together or independently and can be raised or lowered in less than one minute.

Principal dimensions of “WestPac Express”
Overall length: 101.0 metres
Immersed Hull: 88.7 metres
Moulded Beam: 26.65 metres
Hull Draft: 4.2 metres.

Propulsion
Engines: 4 x Caterpillar 3618 (each rated at 7200kW)
Gearboxes: 4 x Reintjes VLJ6831
Waterjets: 4 x Kamewa 125 SII
The vessel is fully compliant with the IMO high speed craft code and classification is to Germanischer Lloyd.

Background Information

Austal’s first export to Japan was the 43 metre high speed passenger catamaran, “Speeder”, delivered to owner/operators, Diamond Ferry Co Ltd in 1995. This was followed two years later by the delivery of the 30 metre high speed passenger catamaran, “Marineview” to Kumamoto Ferry Co. In total, Austal has delivered in excess of 75 vessels to international markets including Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and the Mediterranean.