Austal Limited (Austal) has commenced construction of the second of two 118 metre high-speed passenger trimaran ferries for Fred. Olsen Express in the Company’s Philippines shipyard, the company said in its release.
The vessel is due to be delivered by the end of 2020 as part of an A$190 million contract with Fred. Olsen Express for two 118 metre trimarans, which was awarded to Austal in October 2017.
A metal cutting ceremony for the future “Bañaderos Express” was held in the Philippines shipyard, where the official names for the new vessels were officially announced by Fred. Olsen Express.
The next generation designs for the Bañaderos Express, and its sister ship, the Bajamar Express, were developed at Austal’s centre for excellence in maritime design in Henderson, Western Australia.
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 celebrated 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.