Austal Wins Contract for Two 'Boutique' Cruise Vessels for Tahiti

Austal entered the ‘boutique’ cruise market in 1999 with the delivery of the 60 metre cruise catamaran, “Rivages St Martin”, and has now secured a contract for two 69 metre ‘boutique’ cruise ships for operation in French Polynesia.

Austal’s Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said the new contract further highlighted the success of Austal’s diversification strategy, with secured footholds in the luxury, passenger and vehicle/passenger, military/defence and tourism markets.

Austal has identified a growing demand in the tourism sector for ‘boutique’ cruise packages offering a more intimate cruise holiday.

“Through our experience in the design and construction of a broad range of quality vessels, we are now in a very positive position to capitalise on this market and to offer fully customised solutions to ‘boutique’ cruise operators,” Mr McKinnon said.

Ordered by Bora Bora Cruises of Tahiti, the 69 metre ‘boutique’ cruise ships will be of monohull design, demonstrating Austal’s flexibility in design and customisation.

“Tu Moana” and “Tia Moana” (meaning ‘strong on the ocean’ and ‘sure and stable on the ocean’) will accommodate 78 passengers each in 37 cabins and will provide luxury cruises between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora at a comfortable cruising speed of 14 knots.

Due for delivery in early 2003, the cruise ships will feature a luxurious interior outfit to a four star hotel standard in passenger areas and will be fitted to a high commercial standard for other areas. The vessels will boast a variety of onboard facilities including a combination of double and twin share cabins, lounge and restaurant areas, a pool/spa and an array of water sports equipment. The vessels will operate with a crew of 37.

With this new contract the Austal Group continues to enjoy a large order book including vessels ranging from passenger catamarans for Hong Kong, large vehicle-passenger ferries, live-aboard vessels and luxury motor yachts.

Principal particulars – 2 x 69 metre cruise monohulls:
Overall length: 69.10 metres
Waterline length: 59.40 metres
Moulded beam: 13.80 metres
Hull depth (moulded): 4.80 metres
Maximum draft: 2.10 metres

Propulsion Package:
Engines: 2 x MTU 16V 2000 M60
Gearboxes: 2 x Reintjes WAF464
Propellers: 2 x fixed pitch
Classification: Bureau Veritas