The first of two trimarans that Austal is building for Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands is nearing completion at the company’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
Austal, which landed the A$190 million contract for the two 118 metre trimarans in October 2017, rolled out the Bajamar Express onto the hardstand at its Henderson shipyard earlier this month, in preparation for final fit out scheduled to complete in early 2020.
Austal CEO David Singleton said the company has rolled out the hull and attached the superstructure for the vessel ahead of the anticipated launch in February 2020.
“The Bajamar Express is one of nine trimarans we are currently building for commercial and defence customers throughout the world. We have two of these amazing 118-metre trimarans ferries for Fred. Olsen Express underway – one here in Australia and one in the Philippines, an 83 metre trimaran ferry for JR Kyushu Jet Ferry of Japan under construction here in Australia, plus six Littoral Combat Ships under construction for the U.S. Navy in Mobile, Alabama,” he said.
“With so many trimaran vessels under construction, and more to come, Austal’s Australian based design team is clearly at the forefront of trimaran technology development, and we’re very excited to see another iconic vessel taking shape here in the Henderson yard.
“We can’t wait to see the Bajamar Express in the water – she will be a truly impressive sight and along with her sister ship Bañaderos Express, a fantastic addition to the Fred. Olsen Express fleet.”
Capable of transporting more than 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at speeds up to 38 knots, the new ferries for Fred. Olsen Express will feature class-leading interior amenities and facilities, including multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop and children’s play area.
The new ferries will also feature Austal’s latest, optimised trimaran hull form and will be fitted with Austal’s industry-leading Motion Control technology that delivers a smoother ride and an enhanced on board experience for both customers and crew.
