Austal USA Makes Progress on its First Vehicle-Passenger Ferry

First ever high speed vehicle ferry for the continental United States.

Austal USA's latest project, the 58 metre vehicle-passenger ferry for Lake Express, LLC, is quickly taking shape at the company's purpose-built shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

The catamaran's tunnel structure has been lifted and all of the piping and electrical wiring within the tunnel has been installed. As of early October, 90 per cent of the hull frames had been stood in preparation for fitting to the main deck. The wheelhouse module was also 90 per cent complete and plating has started.

This history-making ferry will run across Lake Michigan between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan. It will be the first high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry to operate within the continental United States. The service is scheduled to begin by the summer of 2004.

With capacity for 253 passengers and 46 cars, the Auto Express 58 will be capable of 34 knots and is the largest built at Austal USA to date. Following on from the successful completion of a number of ferries, dinner cruise vessels and offshore crew/supply boats, the aluminium catamaran is also the first of Austal Ships' world-class Auto Express designs constructed at the US shipyard.

Principal particulars – Auto Express 58
Overall length: 58.4 metres
Waterline length (approx): 52.2 metres
Moulded beam: 17.6 metres
Hull depth (moulded): 5.0 metres
Maximum hull draft: 2.4 metres
Passengers: 253
Cars: 46
Main engines: 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M70
Gearboxes: 4 x ZF 7550
Waterjets: 4 x Kamewa 80 SII
Speed: 34 knots

ENDS