Austal Tasmania delivers first ferries

The first vessels to be completed at Austal?s Tasmanian shipyard have commenced their 14 day delivery voyage to Hong Kong via the east coast of Australia onboard the heavy liftship “Pantanal”

The two 47.5 metre high speed passenger catamarans, built for New World First Ferry (Macau), are scheduled to enter service in October to meet the growing tourism demand generated from the dramatic increase in Macau?s tourist arrivals since the development of its gaming and mega-resort industry.

Set to join five similar Austal passenger catamarans already in service in the New World First Ferry (NWFF) fleet, the latest ferries, named “New Ferry LXXXVII” and “New Ferry LXXXVIII” will operate at a service speed of 42 knots while carrying 418 passengers. Both vessels are powered by four MTU 16V 4000 M70, each producing 2,320 kW and driving Rolls Royce / Kamewa waterjets.

Focussing on small to medium size construction, Austal?s Tasmanian shipyard was able to facilitate the fast delivery of the small vessel order at a competitive cost while maintaining the highest international quality standards. Located in Margate, south of Tasmanian capital Hobart, the modern shipbuilding facility was purchased by Austal in February 2007 and boasts a history of quality aluminium ship construction.

With construction currently underway on three 24m catamaran police boats for the Queensland Police Service, and a workforce which has grown from 40 to more than 120 during the past 12 months, the inaugural delivery signals Austal Tasmania?s position as an important member of Austal?s global production capacity.