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AUSTAL PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES 109 METRE CATAMARAN FERRY

MEDIA RELEASE

12 FEBRUARY 2020

Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Philippines has successfully launched Hull 419, a 109 metre high-speed catamaran ferry, from the company’s recently expanded Balamban shipyard in Cebu.

The vehicle-passenger ferry, to be known as FSTR , is the largest aluminium vessel ever launched in the Philippines – and the largest by volume ever constructed by Austal.

The vessel is now in the final stages of fit out, prior to delivery to Fjord Line of Norway in the 2 nd quarter of CY2020.

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the launch of the ‘Auto Express 109’ catamaran was a significant milestone for Austal Philippines, as the first ship to be wholly constructed from the Balamban shipyard’s expanded production facilities, which were opened in July 2019.

“This impressive new ship for Fjord Line of Norway is the first of many large, high-speed commercial ferries to be constructed at our newly expanded shipyard in the Philippines. After Hull 419, we have Hull 395, a 118 metre trimaran under construction, which will be the longest high speed ferry to be constructed in the Philippines.

“We also have a 115 metre catamaran ferry scheduled for later this year – ensuring continuity of production at the Philippines shipyard well into the 2020s,” Mr Singleton said.

Hull 395, the ‘Banaderos Express’ for Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands, is a 118 metre high-speed trimaran ferry and a sister ship to Bajamar Express, launched in Australia last week. Hull 423, a 115 metre high speed catamaran ferry to be known as Express 5 , is a follow-up order from Molslinjen of Denmark and is scheduled to commence construction in Balamban in the third quarter of CY2020.

Austal Philippines President Wayne Murray celebrated the launch of Hull 419 by thanking the local shipbuilding team and acknowledging the outstanding capability of the Balamban shipyard – which now includes a 120 metre long assembly bay and multiple new fabrication bays.

“I am exceptionally proud of the entire Austal Philippines team. The launch of Hull 419 from our newly expanded shipyard is a significant event that highlights our capability to deliver multiple projects concurrently – safely and cost effectively,” Mr Murray said.

Fjord Line’s FSTR (Hull 419) is capable of transporting 1,200 passengers at up to 40 knots and features Austal’s largest ever vehicle-carrying capacity constructed to date, with a beam of 30.5 metres enabling 404 cars to be carried across two decks. The ship features several key design innovations that enhance operating performance and passenger comfort, including a new, optimised hull form that will minimise fuel consumption and wake wash when operating on the Skagerrak Sea between Hirtshals, Denmark and Kristiansand, Norway.

Austal Philippines has successfully launched Hull 419, a 109 metre high speed catamaran ferry for Fjord Line of Norway at the company’s Balamban, Cebu shipyard. (Images: Austal)

Austal Media Contact:

Cameron Morse

+61 433 886 871

[email protected]

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Austal to build catamaran ferry for French Polynesia

Work on the high-speed vessel will begin in August 2021 at Austal Vietnam shipyard

By Alex Smith | 12 August 2021

Austal has been awarded a €20.5 million ($24.1 million) contract to design and build a 66-metre, high-speed catamaran ferry, Apetahi Express, for The Degage Group of French Polynesia.

Work will commence on the new ferry in August 2021 at Austal Vietnam shipyard, with a scheduled delivery in the first half of 2023.

“Over the past two decades The Degage Group has trusted Austal to design and construct five ships for their growing maritime and tourism operations in French Polynesia, and we’re delighted they have again chosen Austal to develop their latest high-speed ferry,” said Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal. “This contract is a clear demonstration of confidence in our Vietnam shipyard, which recently delivered its second commercial ferry within a period of just two years.”

Apetahi Express will be able to accommodate 574 passengers over two decks, with an additional 80 seats available on a sun deck. She will be fitted with four diesel engines and four waterjets, as well as Austal’s Motion Control System and the newest MarineLink and MarineLink-Smart programmes. The ship will have a contracted top speed of 35.8 knots and a range of 360 nautical miles.

Once delivered, the new ferry will operate a service between Pape’ete, Tahiti, and Vaitape, Bora Bora.

Tags: Austal     Austal Vietnam     The Degage Group

Related articles

• Austal Philippines launches shipbuilder’s largest ever ferry
• Austal orders MAN engines for high-speed catamaran ferry
• Austal launches new series of electric-powered ferries
• Austal Vietnam delivers catamaran to Trinidad and Tobago
• Austal launches first vessel at Vietnam shipyard

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Passenger Express

Auto Express

A sustainable maritime transport solution for everyone..

Forward thinking urban communities throughout the world are looking for mass transport solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable, for everyone. Today’s ferry services need to be faster, quieter, more efficient, while being less expensive to operate and better for the environment. Austal has developed the VOLTA series of electric-powered high-speed ferries to spark a change in thinking, challenge convention and exceed the expectations of communities, operators and passengers alike.

Austal’s VOLTA series is a complete, customisable electric-powered transport solution that has been designed from the hull up to offer a smarter, affordable alternative for ferry operators. Ultimately comprising multiple vessel designs, Austal’s VOLTA series combines state-of-the-art electric drive and lithium ion battery technology with lightweight, low-resistance, optimised hull forms to produce high-speed ferries like no other. On-shore, Austal’s VOLTA series are kept running at peak efficiency by the latest in charging infrastructure and in-service support.

Pursuing the ultimate in form and function, Austal’s VOLTA series offers a true sustainable solution for everyone: »  Our planet – Zero emissions*, reduced noise and low wave wash. »  Our community – Cleaner, more reliable, safer and quieter. »  Your company – Reduced energy consumption, maintenance costs and total cost of ownership. *subject to source of energy

As the world’s largest aluminium shipbuilder, Austal has earned a reputation built on innovative hull design, ‘smart’ maritime technology, modular manufacturing techniques and value-adding in-service support. From safe, modern and efficient shipyards located in Australia, USA, The Philippines and Vietnam, Austal offers a growing portfolio of proven monohull, catamaran and trimaran vessel designs - ideal for commercial passenger and vehicle-passenger ferry services - with specifications optimised to match your vessel’s operating profile and environment.

Austal has also developed value adding technologies such as MARINELINK and MOTION CONTROL that have transformed commercial ferry operations and helped set industry benchmarks for vessel and systems performance management, seakeeping and onboard experience for both passengers and crew. Not just a ship designer and builder, Austal is a true technology partner in your commercial maritime operations, with the capability to also provide ongoing service and support, wherever your fleet is in operation.

Going well beyond a traditional powerplant replacement, Austal’s VOLTA series introduces an all new, optimised hull form specifically designed for the electric drive and lithium ion battery technology that provides operators with a genuine advantage in a changing world and a competitive market environment. For detailed information on the Volta Advantage please download the Volta brochure.

The VOLTA Advantage is generated by a smarter hull design that offers superior seakeeping and passenger comfort, while delivering greater efficiency from less power - and zero emissions. The VOLTA Advantage also includes shore- based charging infrastructure and in-service support that minimises turnaround times and keeps your fleet moving.

CFD (computational fluid dynamics) is a cutting-edge flow simulation tool to accurately predict the powering requirements of a vessel. Austal achieves hull form optimisation using CFD, to maximise efficiency through the water and minimising environmental impact (such as wave wash). Increasing transport efficiency = reduced powering requirements = fewer batteries required = lower capex and operating costs.

The Passenger Express 46 V is an IACS-approved, electric passenger ferry, ideal for any inland waterway service operating within a high population, urban environment. Featuring a striking design with capacity for between 400 and 450 passengers, the catamaran boasts a natural, light filled interior enabled by large, panoramic side windows and generous skylights located along the entire length of the vessel.

Distinctive, double automatic sliding doors provide direct access to the passenger deck for quick loading and unloading of passengers; ensuring turnaround times ‘alongside’ never exceed your fast battery charging requirements.

An environmentally friendly, zero emission* electric high-speed ferry that delivers a superior passenger experience, greater efficiency and lower operating costs. ‍ *subject to source of energy

Introducing the Austal VOLTA Auto Express catamaran. An all-electric-powered fast ferry with the capability and affordability to add value to your fleet. Austal has optimised our proven vehicle passenger ferry designs for both weight and efficiency, to achieve the ideal solution for operators on the pathway to net zero emissions. Powerful new battery technologies continue to emerge that compliment Austal’s lightweight and efficient hull forms; allowing all-electric powerplants to be fitted that deliver fast-ferry performance and capability. With carrying capacity to suit your requirements, confidently transport multiple decks of large commercial vehicles, trucks and cars, at speed on electric power.

Drawing upon over 30 years experience in fast ferry designand construction, Austal can customise an all-electric, VOLTA solution with flexibility in layouts for large vehicle passenger ferries, in catamaran (or trimaran) hulls, up to 130 metres. ‍ Austal offers a complete turn-key solution to help operators navigate any regulatory environment and develop cost effective shore-based infrastructure that re-charges your ferries quickly, minimising turn around times and seamlessly integrating to your existing schedules. ‍

Partnering with the world’s leading electric charging infrastructure and storage providers, Austal can project manage bespoke installations to suit your new ferries and port infrastructure. Start your journey to net zero emissions with Austal’s VOLTA Auto Express range of all-electric fast ferries. Ready to join your fleet, now. ‍

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Austal Launches High-speed Ferry for French Polynesia's Degage Group

May 3, 2023

Apetahi Express (Photo: Austal)

Shipbuilder Austal Vietnam announced Wednesday that it has launched a new high-speed catamaran built at the company’s shipyard in Vung Tau for the Degage Group of French Polynesia.

The 66-meter Apetahi Express is undergoing final fit-out, prior to sea trials which are due to commence in May. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in June 2023. The new ferry is anticipated to commence operations between Pape’ete (Tahiti) and Vaitape (Bora Bora) in French Polynesia in July 2023.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said, “Austal’s latest catamaran design offers operators an impressive looking vessel that is both highly efficient and flexible, with multiple indoor and outdoor decks for passengers and a large cargo space accommodating up to 16 tonnes for high-speed inter-island transportation.”

The new Austal Passenger Express 66 catamaran features a length overall (LOA) of 66.4 meters, beam of 15.2 meters and draft of 1.8 meters. Over two passenger decks, the vessel can accommodate 574 passengers, with an additional 80 seats available on an external sun deck. Crew accommodation includes seven two-berth cabins and two single-berth cabins. The vessel has four passenger access ramps and can carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo loaded via two cranes.

Fitted with four diesel engines and four waterjets, as well as Austal’s renowned Motion Control System (including active interceptors and T-foils) and the latest MARINELINK-Connect program, the new ferry will have a contracted top speed of 35.8 knots and a range of up to 360 nautical miles (excluding a long-range tank, fitted).

Austal has previously designed and built five vessels for The Degage Group, comprising two 69-meter monohull cruise ships, a 56-meter vehicle passenger catamaran ferry, an 80-meter vehicle passenger catamaran ferry and a 49-meter vehicle passenger ferry.

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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