Austal cuts metal on 117m trimaran for Fred. Olsen
AUSTAL commenced construction of the first of two 117m high-speed passenger trimaran ferries for Fred. Olsen. Developed in Henderson, Western Australia at Austal’s centre of excellence in maritime design, these technologically advanced, next-generation vessels will be used by Fred. Olsen Express in the Canary Islands, joining their sister ship, The Benchijigua Express, the company said in its press release.
Capable of transferring over 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at speeds up to 38 knots these vessels will feature the latest in Austal’s optimised hull form and vessel design and will be fitted with Austal’s industry leading ride control technology.
“The Benchijigua Express is the benchmark for blue-water commercial ferry operations, exceeding expectations for performance, speed and customer experience in the Canary Islands. This vessel will be a game-changer in the international high-speed ferry market and we are proud to be building it for Fred Olsen” Austal CEO, David Singleton said.
“The trimaran vessels design provides advanced seakeeping whilst maintaining the carrying capacity of a catamaran. This uniquely Austal design provides a more comfortable ride for passengers whilst on board while maintaining the carrying capacity of a traditional catamaran.”
“The advanced technology of the Austal trimaran led to the development of the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the US Navy, where there are nine units currently in service. The continuing customer satisfaction of the trimaran platform both by commercial and military customers is the greatest endorsement of the advanced seakeeping and versatility of the Austal trimaran design” he said.
Ivan Fernandez Martinez, technical manager at Fred. Olsen said,
“After the signing of the contract, the project spiral was launched, which in several iterations has improved the different details of the vessel, avoiding interferences and seeking appropriate solutions based on the current experience of years operating in the Canary Islands. After these months of engineering, the Metal Cutting ceremony symbolizes the start of this exciting phase of production, where our new trimarans generation will come alive".
The contract with Fred Olsen for two 117m trimarans is worth AU$190million and was awarded to Austal in October 2017.
About Austal
Austal is an Australian shipbuilder and global defence prime contractor which designs constructs and sustains some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels.
Austal successfully balances commercial and defence projects and celebrates 30 years of success in 2018. Austal has designed, constructed and delivered more than 300 commercial and defence vessels for more than 100 operators in 54 countries worldwide.
Austal is Australia’s largest defence exporter and the only ASX-listed shipbuilder. Austal has industry leading shipyards in Australia, the United States of America and Philippines and service centres worldwide.
Austal delivers iconic monohull, catamaran and trimaran commercial vessel platforms – including the world’s largest trimaran ferry and multiple defence programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the United States Navy. Austal has grown to become the world’s largest aluminium shipbuilder.