Hawaii Superferry delivered with GL Class

“Alakai”, the 107 meter high speed ferry classed by Germanischer Lloyd, has been delivered from its builder Austal USA to Hawaii Superferry. A second US flagged

vehicle-and-passenger carrying catamaran is currently under construction.

Powered by four MTU 20V 8200 M70 main engines via four ZF 53800 gearboxes, with a top speed of 35 knots, the high speed craft is capable of carrying 866 passengers and 282 cars. The ship incorporates environment-friendly technology, such as hulls with a non-toxic coating and on-board storage of wastewater, refuse and other solid waste. The vessel’s design enjoys an excellent track record of safety and

reliability. The environment-friendly, energy-efficient, specially designed catamaran meets or exceeds government standards for protecting Hawaii’s islands and the ocean. The ship is the largest aluminium catamaran ever built in the U.S.

“An important requirement for Alakai’s entry into service is the completion of the United States Coast Guard’s detailed certification and inspection process, which is in its final stages in Mobile,” said Hawaii Superferry’s President and CEO John Garibaldi. “The Alakai is a unique, state-of-the-art U.S. flagged vessel. The Coast Guard, Austal and Hawaii Superferry want to ensure that the vessel, its machinery and equipment, as well as its safety systems and plans are thoroughly inspected and

reviewed.”

The “Alakai” took to the sea for the first time in April during sea trials in Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA. It had achieved or surpassed all performance parameters specified for the vessel. Sea trials are the final step of a thorough review and testing of the systems, machinery and equipment aboard the vessel before it is handed over to the owner.

“Sea trials went very well and we are extremely pleased with the capabilities of this vessel,” said Austal’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Spiegel. “It’s truly remarkable to experience the power and control of this catamaran.”

In honour of Hawaii’s rich history of navigation and marine travel, Hawaii Superferry’s vessel was christened with the name “Alakai,” which in Hawaiian translates as “ocean path”. From late summer on, Hawaii Superferry will offer daily service between Maui and O’ahu and between Kaua’i and O’ahu several times a week.

A second ferry is currently under construction at Austal USA shipyard. Its delivery is scheduled for 2009 with service between the islands of Hawaii, O’ahu and Maui.