Austal has ended the mystery. The previously undisclosed customer behind its previously announced multiple ferry orders is Venetian Marketing Services Limited (VMSL). It has ordered ten 48 m passenger catamaran ferries after a competitive international tender process. Austal was able to deliver a proven solution and the best overall package. This included meeting a challenging delivery schedule for the boats to be in operation in 2007 and 2008.
With the capacity to carry 411 passengers at a service speed of 42 knots, the ferries will provide a link from Hong Kong locations to a new Pac On Ferry Terminal being built by the Macau Government to provide a service to The Cotai Strip on Macau.
The Cotai Strip is the trademarked name of Las Vegas Sands' multi-billion dollar casino resort project in Macau. It is situated on a 1.8 mile plot of land in Cotai, the area of reclaimed land adjoining Macau's two islands, Taipa and Coloane.
The first phase of the Cotai Strip is scheduled to open in 2007 with the grand opening of the $1.8 billion Venetian Macao.
The new ferries will provide a dedicated transport link to supply The Cotai Strip.
In addition to the 411 passengers carried by each ferry on two decks, special cranage and storage for passengers' luggage is also included.
The cabin areas include Beurteaux Club and Executive seats with leather finish accompanied by aircraft style overhead lockers to provide a carry-on baggage capacity.
Electronic ticketing and onboard hotel check-in, will enable the new ferries to provide a seamless final connection for The Cotai Strip's guests and visitors.
Powered by four MTU 16 cylinder 4000 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce / KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system, each ferry is additionally fitted with transom mounted SeaState Interceptors providing an active high speed ride control system for maximum passenger comfort.
The vessels are being built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the IMO High Speed Craft code (HSC 2000) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Marine Department requirements for high speed ferries.
With the capacity to carry 411 passengers at a service speed of 42 knots, the ferries will provide a link from Hong Kong locations to a new Pac On Ferry Terminal being built by the Macau Government to provide a service to The Cotai Strip on Macau.
The Cotai Strip is the trademarked name of Las Vegas Sands' multi-billion dollar casino resort project in Macau. It is situated on a 1.8 mile plot of land in Cotai, the area of reclaimed land adjoining Macau's two islands, Taipa and Coloane.
The first phase of the Cotai Strip is scheduled to open in 2007 with the grand opening of the $1.8 billion Venetian Macao.
The new ferries will provide a dedicated transport link to supply The Cotai Strip.
In addition to the 411 passengers carried by each ferry on two decks, special cranage and storage for passengers' luggage is also included.
The cabin areas include Beurteaux Club and Executive seats with leather finish accompanied by aircraft style overhead lockers to provide a carry-on baggage capacity.
Electronic ticketing and onboard hotel check-in, will enable the new ferries to provide a seamless final connection for The Cotai Strip's guests and visitors.
Powered by four MTU 16 cylinder 4000 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce / KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system, each ferry is additionally fitted with transom mounted SeaState Interceptors providing an active high speed ride control system for maximum passenger comfort.
The vessels are being built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the IMO High Speed Craft code (HSC 2000) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Marine Department requirements for high speed ferries.