Condor launches high-speed Austal trimaran

The £50 million vessel was produced on spec two years ago and was subsequently purchased by Condor. Prior to its arrival in the UK at the start of the year it was customised to Condor’s specification at Austal’s yard in the Philippines, in a £7 million pound project.

Austal and Condor hailed the trimaran as the ‘next generation’ in high-speed ferry transportation. Taking inspiration from Austal’s 2005 trimaran for Fred Olsen, Benchijigua Express, the aluminium-bodied Condor Liberation has been optimised to deliver a comfortable and cost-effective platform with a payload of 880 passengers and 245 vehicles.

The 37kn, 620dwt vessel is powered by three MTU 20V8000 M71L engines that produce 9,100kW (at 1,150rpm), output through three Wartsila LJX 1300 waterjets. It features Austal’s ‘Ride Control’ system, with computer-controlled T-foils and interceptors reducing movement at sea for a more stable journey. Four MTU S60 280kW gensets and two HRP 3011RT azimuth thrusters are also installed.

Austal regional sales manager UK & Europe Simon Smith told The Motorship that the shipbuilder had a contractual arrangement with Condor to offer a fixed percentage better fuel efficiency than its catamarans. The Condor Liberation exceeded that obligation, he said.

Other technical features include wing bridges allowing crew to easily navigate the vessel into the tight berths. The added space also enabled Austal to install a larger crew mess and locker room, as well as an office area for navigators and engineering staff.

The Condor Liberation marks an important commercial shipping contract for Austal, which has become increasingly focused on the naval sector in recent years, particularly since the economic and shipping crisis hit in 2008.