Austal launches its largest cat

The vessel is owned by Danish company Færgen (formerly Nordic Ferry Services), and will be operated by Bornholmer Færgen, a subsidiary of Færgen. Bornholmer Færgen currently operates a fleet of three ships, one of which is the Austal built 86m catamaran Villum Clausen, which has been operating the route between Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm and Ystad in south east Sweden for over ten years.

Once completed, the 1,000 dwt newbuilding will be able to hold up to 1,400 passengers and 357 cars, and travel at speeds of up to 40 knots. The vessel is on track to commence sea trials in March, with delivery scheduled to take place in May 2011.

Austal was awarded the contract in April 2009 following a competitive international tender process which saw Austal utilise its in-house design team and experience to develop a highly customised vessel design that met all Færgen’s requirements for the route. The vessel has been built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of DNV, conforming to IMO’s HSC Code and Danish regulations. Registration will be under the Denmark Flag.

With Danish environmental regulations for fast ferries among some of the most stringent in the world, Austal’s design is required to comply with legislation covering environmental noise, wave-wash and exhaust emissions.