Austal to build three commercial passenger ferries

Australia-based Austal has secured two new contracts to build three commercial passenger ferries worth around AU$30million.

Seaspovill, which operates fast ferries on multiple domestic routes in South Korea, has contracted Austal to build a 50m high-speed catamaran for AU$16million. The ferry, which has been designed by Incat Crowther, will be able to carry 450 passengers at speeds of up to 40 knots. It will be built by Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu with a scheduled delivery date of June 2017. It is Austal’s first newbuild for South Korea

Austal Philippines will also build two 30m catamarans as part of an AU$13million contract with Supercat Fast Ferry Corporation (SFFC) in the Philippines. Able to accommodate 300 passengers each at speeds of up to 25 knots, the two catamarans will join SFFC’s Supercat fast ferry fleet in June 2017. The contract also includes the provision of spares and represents Austal Philippines’ first newbuild programme for the Philippines domestic market.

"Once again Australian ship design and reputation for performance and quality wins out in the highly competitive international ship building market,” said David Singleton, Austal CEO. “Austal has a world-class reputation for high-speed ferries and naval vessels which continues to be recognised and brings quality work to the business.”