Austal to build new Rottnest Island ferry

Perth shipbuilder Austal has been awarded a contract to construct a 32-metre catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries, based in Hillarys, Western Australia which will operate to the leisure destination island offshore of Perth.

Collaborating with vessel designer Incat Crowther, Austal will begin construction of the aluminium catamaran at the company’s Philippines shipyard in the first quarter of CY2024.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new contract continued a long and successful association between Austal and Australian-based designer Incat Crowther that has delivered multiple vessels over several decades.

Gregg said: “Austal and Incat Crowther have been successfully working together to deliver commercial vessels for over 20 years, including multiple ferries and crew transfer vessels for customers throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

“We’re delighted to be working with Incat Crowther again, on this exciting new catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries.”

The 32 metre aluminium catamaran will have a capacity for up to 400 passengers and five crew seated over three decks, and extensive cargo space available for passenger’s bicycles and baggage.

With 2 x 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, the vessel will have an operating speed of up to 25 knots on the 45 minute journey from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island.

Image: Austal