Austal announces the delivery of $5.5 million worth high-speed aluminium catamaran

Austal, an Australian-based global shipbuilding company, has recently declared that it delivered a 30 metre long high-speed aluminium catamaran for VS Grand Ferries Corporation in the Philipines.

The Incat Crowther designed ship was built at Austal Philippines’ shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, with the capacity of accommodating 300 passengers and speed up to 25 knots.

In August 2017, Austal had first received this US$ 5.5 million worth of catamaran contract and started the construction work in September 2017. This has been the first locally operated vessel to achieve Pioneer status, the prestigious enhanced safety standard rating in the Philippines, with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Austal CEO, David Singleton said, “Austal Philippines has developed into an established and very successful shipyard that has produced high-quality vessels for the worldwide market since 2012. Austal has been proud to be leading this sovereign industrial capability development for the Philippines.”

He added the Philippines facilities employ more than 500 highly skilled local employees in a broad range of professionals, including technical and trade roles.

In the last two years, Austal Philippines delivered six high-speed commercial vessels. Next in the line is a 109 metre long next-generation high-speed catamaran for Fjord Line of Norway, the largest aluminium passenger ferry. According to the report, the company has already geared up for its construction work to finish it by early 2019. The vessel will be completed in a brand new purpose-built 120 metre long assembly facility, Austal’s largest outside of the USA.