Austal launch next generation high speed trimaran
Austal's new all aluminium trimaran vessel is scheduled for completion in February.
Australian shipbuilder Austal has successfully launched its next generation 102m high speed trimaran vehicle/passenger ferry. The vessel has been undergoing final fit-out prior to its sea trials this month.
With a customisable seating arrangement for up to 1165 passengers, capacity for 254 cars and a maximum speed of more than 40 knots, the all aluminium vessel is scheduled for completion next month and is currently available for sale.
Austal Director of Sales and Australian Operations, Andrew Bellamy, said the vessel had already generated considerable interest in the ferry industry and expects that to increase now that it has been launched.
‘It’s not often that a vessel this technologically advanced enters the water, he said. ‘Many operators around the world are excited about what the trimaran can bring to their service, particularly in terms of passenger comfort, payload and fuel efficiency.’
Austal’s patented trimaran technology means the vessel uses less power than other high speed craft operating at similar speeds, resulting in lower fuel consumption and improved operating economy.
The vessel also has the ability to maintain higher speeds in waves and operate in higher wave heights, meaning it is less subject to weather induced cancellations and delays. The hullform also reduces wake created behind the vessel, which, like the lower installed power, reduces environmental impacts.
Austal’s latest trimaran follows the landmark 2005 trimaran ferry Benchijigua Express, currently servicing Spain’s Canary Islands, where that trimaran’s lower roll speed has significantly reduced passenger seasickness.
Austal’s trimaran hullform also forms the basis of the US Navy’s 127m Austal-designed and built Littoral Combat Ship LCS 2 Independence. The state of the art combat ship recently completed acceptance trials ahead of its delivery to the US Navy.
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