VIDEO: Austal rolls out 118-meter trimaran

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Austal Australia recently rolled out the 118 meter Bajamar Express (Hull 394) for Fred. Olsen Express at its Henderson, Western Australia, shipyard (Image: Austal Australia)

Austal Australia last month rolled out the hull (No. 394) and attached the superstructure for Bajamar Express, the first of two 118 meter trimarans under construction for Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands. The vessel is now set for final fit out before launch in February 2020.

“The Bajamar Express is one of nine trimarans we are currently building for commercial and defense customers throughout the world,” said Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton. “We have two of these amazing 118 meter trimaran ferries for Fred. Olsen Express underway – one here in Australia and one in the Philippines, an 83 meter trimaran ferry for JR Kyushu Jet Ferry of Japan under construction here in Australia, plus six Littoral Combat Ships under construction for the U.S. Navy in Mobile, Alabama.”

Austal was awarded the contract for the two 118 meter Fred. Olsen Express trimarans, worth over A$190 million (about US$ 130 million), in October 2017 and construction of the first vessel started in September 2018. With construction on track and fit out scheduled over the New Year, the vessel is on schedule for delivery in the second quarter of 2020.

Capable of transporting more than 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at speeds up to 38 knots, the new ferries for Fred. Olsen Express feature Austal’s latest, optimized trimaran hull form and will be fitted with Austal’s Motion Control technology that delivers a smoother ride and an enhanced on board experience for both customers and crew.

The ships will feature interior amenities and facilities, including multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop and children’s play area and will operate on Fred. Olsen Express’ Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Agaete, Las Palmas routes in the Canary Islands.

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