Austal Confirms Seven Fast Ferries Ordered For The Venetian Macao Resort Development

New Ferries to Provide a Dedicated Luxury High Speed Passenger Service

Adding to its fleet of thirty seven vessels operating in China / Hong Kong waters Austal today signed a contract for seven 48 metre passenger catamaran ferries with Venetian Marketing Services Limited following a competitive international tender process.

With the capacity to carry 417 passengers at a service speed of 42 knots the ferries will provide a link from Hong Kong locations to new piers being built at the Cotai Strip on Macau servicing The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel development. Building on the same concept as the award-winning Venetian in Las Vegas, the company is now delivering that same Venice-inspired hospitality to the Macau enclave.

Austal was able to deliver a proven solution and the best overall package. This includes meeting a challenging delivery schedule for the boats to be in operation in 2007 and 2008.

Speaking on behalf of Venetian Marketing Services Limited, XXXX, commented:

“When opened in 2007 The Venetian Macao will provide a fully integrated resort destination with unmatched entertainment, convention and hotel facilities. A first class island resort would be nothing without a first class means of delivering visitors and guests to their destination”

“In conjunction with speed, comfort and interior finishes it was also imperative that the builder had a proven track record and dedicated service support to assure a reliable service will be maintained. It is for these reasons we are proud to confirm Austal as the successful tenderer for The Venetian Macao ferries,” he said.

Commenting on the impressive development projects currently under construction, Austal’s Executive Chairman, John Rothwell responded;

“With thirty-seven Austal passenger vessels already delivered to nearby Hong Kong it is a pleasure to be once again doing business in the region with The Venetian Macao. We look forward to these ferries providing a valuable connection service befitting of what will be an extremely high quality development when completed.”

With more than half of the world's population living within a five hour flight from the enclave, Macau's established road, air and sea transportation network is easily available to most of this region. Already, the Hong Kong – Macau passenger ferry service is the world’s largest single route in terms of passenger numbers. In the first six months of 2006, 6,925,000 passengers travelled on the route up 13% on the period of 2005. The record year was 1992 when 14,024,480 passengers were carried, a figure that is set to be exceeded with the pending introduction of new developments and transport capacity.

The new ferries will add a dedicated transport link to supply the 18,000 new hotel rooms and recreational facilities comprising The Venetian Macao development. In addition to the 417 passengers carried by each ferry on two decks, special cranage and storage for twelve tonnes of luggage is also included. The cabin areas include Beurteaux Club and Executive seats with leather finish accompanied by aircraft style overhead lockers to provide an equivalent carry-on baggage capacity. Combined with electronic ticketing and onboard hotel check-in the intention is for the new ferries to provide a seamless final connection for The Venetian Macao’s guests and visitors.

Powered by four MTU 16 cylinder 4000 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce / KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system each ferry is additionally fitted with transom mounted SeaState Interceptors providing an active high speed ride control system for maximum passenger comfort.

The vessels are being built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the International Maritime Organisation High Speed Craft code (HSC 2000) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Marine Department requirements for high speed ferries.

Also under construction at Austal are:

• 2 x 105 metre, catamaran vehicle-passenger ferries for Hawaii Superferry.
• 2 x 88 metre, catamaran vehicle-passenger ferries for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
• 2 x 66 metre, high speed, catamaran multi-purpose vehicle-passenger ferries for The Sultanate of Oman.
• 1 x 127 metre, trimaran high speed Littoral Combat Ship for the US Navy.
• 6 x 57 metre, monohull Armidale Class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy (8 already delivered).
• 57 metre, monohull private cruise vessel.