High-Speed Vehicle Ferry Order for Leading Tahitian Operator

Western Australian shipbuilder Austal has signed its second contract for a medium sized vehicle-passenger catamaran in as many weeks. The new order, placed by leading Tahitian ferry operator Aremiti Cruise, follows that placed by Kangaroo Island SeaLink of South Australia.

The contract for the 56 metre high-speed ferry will be the fourth vessel in the Aremiti fleet and brings the already solid Austal group order book to 20 vessels, including four vehicle-passenger ferries.

Due for delivery in January 2004, the new aluminium catamaran has capacity for 700 passengers and 30 cars and will provide transportation for both locals and tourists between the Tahitian islands of Papeete, Morea and Bora Bora. Fitted with ride control and powered by four MTU diesels, the Auto Express 56 will be capable of a service speed of 35 knots.

Over 500 passengers can be accommodated on the upper deck in a mixture of internal and external areas, and another 70 passengers can travel on the open bridge deck area. Cars will be carried aft on the main deck, which also has internal seats for 122 passengers.

Specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Aremiti fleet, the vessel has both aft and side vehicle loading, to suit existing shore-side docking infrastructure in Tahiti.

Austal Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said the interest in the medium-sized vehicle- passenger catamaran market had been encouraging in recent months.

“Austal is pleased to have been able to take advantage of the interest in the medium-sized ferry market between orders for larger vehicle-passenger vessels,” Mr McKinnon said.

Austal’s extensive in-house design expertise and flexible, efficient production techniques are both key factors in enabling the company to respond quickly to the requirements of customers and the market.

Global orders for medium sized high-speed vehicle-passenger ferries have been at a consistent level for over five years and represent over 50 percent of all fast vehicle-passenger ferry deliveries in the last two years.

Mr McKinnon said he was delighted that Austal’s existing relationship with the client through the construction of two 69 metre Cruise Yachts for Bora Bora Cruises was a key factor in securing the new order.

“It’s great to see clients returning to the shipyard with follow-on orders based on their high level of satisfaction with the Austal product,” he said.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS
Length: 56.00 metres
Waterline length: 49.80 metres
Beam: 14.00 metres
Hull depth moulded: 5.00 metres
Hull draft: 1.90 metres
Passengers: 700
Crew: 10
Vehicles: 30 cars
Maximum axle load: 1.5 tonnes
Deadweight (max): 117 tonnes
Main engines: 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M70
Gearboxes: 4 x Reintjes/ZF
Waterjets: 4 x Kamewa 71 SII
Speed: 35 knots (90% MCR, 95 tonnes deadweight)
Classification: Germanischer Lloyd