Austal has successfully delivered a new 56 metre high speed passenger ferry to Germany’s Förde Reederei Seetouristik (FRS Group).
Hull 418, which departed Austal Philippines shipyard in Cebu on 7th March, was constructed under a A$22 million contract that was signed in December 2016.
Austal CEO David Singleton said the vessel, which was completed in just 12 months, demonstrated the company’s ability to develop and construct advanced maritime technology in a global market.
“The advanced design and smart ship technology that delivers superior performance and seakeeping for this fantastic looking ship was developed here in Australia and then constructed in the Philippines to our exacting standards,” Mr Singleton said.
“Austal’s design team has developed an optimised hull form that not only minimises fuel consumption and wake wash but also provides superior strength and stability at speeds exceeding 35 knots on open seas,”
“Innovations like Austal’s MARINELINK-Smart and Ride Control are being sought out by operators like FRS, as they help to deliver a better customer experience – and a greater return on investment.”
Capable of carrying 680 passengers, the 35 knot vessel features two classes of passenger accommodation, a programmable, energy-efficient LED lighting system and large windows offering expansive views throughout the cabin.
Two exterior passenger decks offer an outdoor experience for FRS passengers travelling the popular River Elbe route between Helgoland and the Port of Hamburg.
