Perth shipbuilder Austal has won a $32.8 million contract to design and build a 66 metre long catamaran ferry for The Degage Group of French Polynesia.
Work will begin on the ferry at Austal’s Vietnam yard this month with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2023.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said Degage was a repeat customer, indicating satisfaction with Austal’s aluminium ferry designs.
Gregg said: “Over the past two decades The Degage Group has trusted Austal to design and construct five ships for their growing maritime and tourism operations in French Polynesia, and we are delighted they have again chosen Austal to develop their latest high-speed ferry.
“This contract is a clear demonstration of confidence in our Vietnam shipyard, which recently delivered its second commercial ferry within a period of just two years.”
The Austal Express 66 design can accommodate 574 passengers over two decks plus 60 on a sun deck.
The ferry has four passenger access ramps and can carry 16 tonnes of cargo.
Picture: An Austal ferry
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