Fast Car Ferry for Greece Launched

The Auto Express 85 fast car ferry "Highspeed 5" was launched at the Austal shipyard on March 20. The 85 metre aluminium catamaran is the fifth fast ferry the shipbuilder has built for leading Greek ferry operator Hellas Flying Dolphins, which has recently re-branded its operations under the new name Hellenic Seaways.

Scheduled for delivery in May, the custom designed ferry will enter service following its delivery voyage from Australia to Greece. Its operations will include a new fast ferry service linking Piraeus with Chania on the island of Crete; one of the most important routes in the Greek Islands trades. The Austal Auto Express 92 "Highspeed 4" (delivered in July 2000) inaugurated that service recently.

When complete, "Highspeed 5" will be able to carry 810 passengers and 154 cars and will be capable of 39 knots when loaded. The catamaran’s propulsion consists of four Caterpillar 3618 diesels each driving a Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjet via a Reintjes gearbox.

In addition to the Greek catamaran, Austal is currently building high speed catamaran ferries for Virtu Ferries (Malta), Hawaii Superferry (USA) and two for L’Express des Iles (Guadeloupe). The 127 metre trimaran fast ferry for Fred. Olsen, SA (Spain) is expected to depart for the Canary Islands shortly. Also on order are 12 naval patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy and a 38 metre research / pleasure vessel for a private owner.