Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Philippines has successfully launched Hull 419, a 109-meter high-speed catamaran, from the recently expanded Balamban Shipyard in Cebu.
Vehicle and passenger ferry, the so-called FSTRit’s the biggest aluminum ship ever launched within the Philippines and the biggest by volume ever built by Austal.
The ship is currently in the ultimate fitting out phase, ahead of delivery to the Norwegian company Fjord Line within the 2ndII quarter CY2020.
Austal CEO David Singleton said the launch of the Auto Express 109 catamaran was a major milestone for Austal Philippines as the primary ship to be built entirely from the Balamban Shipyard’s expanded manufacturing facilities, which opened in July 2019.
“This impressive latest vessel for Norway’s Fjord Line is the primary of many large, fast business ferries to be built at our newly expanded shipyard within the Philippines. After Hull 419, Hull 395, a 118-meter trimaran that will probably be the longest fast ferry to be inbuilt the Philippines, is under construction.
“A 115-meter catamaran cruise is also scheduled for later this year, ensuring continuity of production at the shipyard in the Philippines well into the 2020s,” Singleton said.
Hull 395, “Banader Express” for Fred. Olsen Express from the Canary Islands is a 118-meter fast trimaran and sister ship Bajamar express, launched last week in Australia.
Hull 423, a 115-meter high-speed catamaran, often known as Express 5is one other order from Molslinjen of Denmark, with construction scheduled to begin in Balamban within the third quarter of fiscal 12 months 2020.
Austal Philippines president Wayne Murray celebrated the launch of Hull 419 by thanking the local shipyard team and expressing appreciation for the unique capabilities of the Balamban shipyard – which now features a 120-meter assembly hall and multiple latest production halls.
“I am extremely proud of the entire Austal Philippines team. The launch of the Hull 419 from our newly expanded shipyard is a significant event that highlights our ability to deliver multiple projects simultaneously – safely and cost effectively,” said Murray.
Fjord Line FSTR (Hull 419) is able to carrying 1,200 passengers at speeds of as much as 40 knots and features Austal’s largest ever capability built to hold vehicles, with a 30.5m beam able to carrying 404 cars on two decks.
The ship features several key design innovations that improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort, including a brand new, optimized hull shape that may minimize fuel consumption and washout effects when sailing on the Skagerrak Sea between Hirtshals, Denmark and Kristiansand, Norway.
Source : Austal.com | Manila Standard | Port News Russia
