New Caledonia ferry launched

The FBMA Marine Inc. shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, Philippines, recently launched a 57-metre car and passenger high-speed vessel ordered by the government of New Caledonia, a French territory. President Neko Hnepeune of the Loyalty Islands Province government and President Philippe Gomes of the Southern Province government, the two provinces of New Caledonia, said they are “happy and proud” with the completion of the Betico 2.

The $22 million Betico 2 will replace a nine-year-old high-speed vessel that connects the islands in New Caledonia. It can accommodate 356 passengers and 10 vehicles.

FBMA, a member of the Aboitiz group, was chosen from among eight companies based in Australia, Italy and the Netherlands. The vessel will be owned and operated by Sudiles, a company established by the economic development ministries of the two provinces of New Caledonia. FBMA president and chief operating officer Douglas Border said the construction of Betico 2 was “quite challenging” because the vessel is designed according to “very strict” French maritime requirements. Betico 2, which has an aluminium catamaran hull, is designed for the “some of the roughest open sea crossings” in the Pacific. “It has been specifically designed to meet the harsh conditions while complying with some of the toughest European shipping regulations,” according to a statement from FBMA.

Work on the Betico 2 began 13 months ago and the launch marks the start of trials at sea for the vessel and work on final touches, like furniture and furnishings. Aboitiz also revealed that FBMA is currently constructing two vessels for Wightlink in the United Kingdom and is trying to secure four more projects.