Austal Launches Ferries for Portugal

Austal Ships has recently launched the first of two new river catamarans for Portuguese ferry operator Transtejo.

Image Marine, a division of Austal Ships, constructed the two river catamarans.

These vessels mark the first sale to the region by the Australian high speed ferry industry and will join a fleet of around 50 vessels operated by Transtejo.

Designed for commuter comfort and fast turn-around times, the 37 metre River Cats can carry 292 passengers at approximately 30 knots and will provide the perfect transport solution between the ports of Parque Das Nações and Barriero on the River Tejo in Lisbon.

The vessels are propelled by two MTU main engines coupled to Hamilton waterjets.

The Austal Group, consisting of Austal Ships, Image Marine and Oceanfast, currently employs approximately 1300 people and has under construction a number of exciting projects including a 56 metre vehicle/passenger ferry for Egypt, an 86 metre vehicle/passenger ferry for Venezuela, three 47 metre passenger ferries for Hong Kong and several luxury motor yachts including Greg Norman’s “Aussie Rules”.