TWO of Australia’s world-leading marine companies are co-operating to produce a new ferry for a Western Australian customer.
Incat Crowther and Austal are continuing a long-standing relationship, to design and build a 32-metre catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries, based in Hillary, WA.
Austal will commence construction of the aluminium catamaran at the company’s Philippines shipyard in the first quarter of CY2024.
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 securely stored on two decks. With two 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.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the new contract continued a long and successful association between the companies that has delivered multiple vessels over several decades.
“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,” Mr Gregg said.
“The Austal team look forward to delivering an outstanding new vessel for Rottnest Fast Ferries that will offer an exceptional experience for passengers and a reliable and efficient vessel for the operators.”
