AUSTAL Philippines has announced the launch of the largest ferry ever constructed by an Austal shipyard.
The 115-metre high speed ro-pax ferry Express 5 was constructed for Danish ferry service Moslinjen using a new transportation system designed by Austal.
The ferry was transported onto Austal Philippines’ floating dry dock by a new, rail-based system called the Austal Nautical Transportation System (ANTS), which features self-drive trollies with variable geometry to suit a range of different hull configurations.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the launch of the company’s largest commercial ferry build demonstrated both capability and innovation.
“The launch of Express 5 is a genuine milestone on a number of levels, as the largest ferry ever constructed by an Austal shipyard; and the first to be launched using our proprietary new vessel transport system,” Mr Gregg said.
“The Austal Nautical Transportation System allows us to move any large vessel safely, securely, and efficiently – monohull, catamaran or trimaran – at a fraction of the cost of traditional mobile transporters.”
Austal Philippines President Wayne Murray said the launch of Express 5 demonstrated the dedication of the local team and the shipyard’s capability to deliver large, world class ships.
“I am so proud of the Austal Philippines team who have constructed this impressive new high-speed ferry – the largest ever built by any Austal shipyard – and developed an innovative new transportation system that improves shipbuilding operations and reduces costs,” Mr Murray said.
Express 5 was designed by the same Austal Australia team who developed the hull for Molslinjen’s Express 4 ferry, delivered in 2019.
Austal said Express 5 has the capacity for 1610 passengers, space for 450 cars (or 617 lane metres for trucks plus 257 cars) over two vehicle decks and an operating service speed of 37 knots.
The catamaran is also powered by an LNG-capable, medium-speed power plant.
Following final fit-out of the vessel alongside at Austal Philippines, Express 5 is scheduled for delivery early in the first quarter of 2023.
