Austal Australasia has secured a contract to build a 32-metre catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries, headquartered in Hillarys, Western Australia.
The vessel, designed by Incat Crowther, is set to be constructed at Austal’s shipyard in the Philippines, with the build scheduled to commence in the first quarter of CY2024, the company said in a news release.
Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, highlighted the enduring and successful partnership between Austal and Incat Crowther, spanning over two decades and resulting in the delivery of multiple commercial vessels.
“Austal and Incat Crowther have been successfully working together to deliver commercial vessels for over 20 years, including multiple ferries and crew transfer vessels for customers throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” said Gregg.
He expressed his delight at working with Incat Crowther again on the new catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries, which is locally owned and operated from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth, Western Australia.
“The Austal team look forward to delivering an outstanding new vessel for Rottnest Fast Ferries that will offer an exceptional experience for passengers and a reliable and efficient vessel for the operators,” Gregg noted.
The 32-metre aluminium catamaran is designed to accommodate up to 400 passengers and five crew across three decks, with ample cargo space for passengers’ bicycles and baggage stored securely on two decks.
Powered by 2 x 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, the catamaran will achieve an operating speed of up to 25 knots during its 45-minute journey from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island.
Austal said it anticipates delivering a vessel that not only ensures a remarkable experience for passengers but also offers operators a reliable and efficient transport solution.
