VIDEO: Austal takes wraps off 83 meter trimaran
Written by Nick Blenkey
Queen Beetle will be able to transport 502 passengers (and 20 crew) across two passenger decks, at speeds up to 37 knots on its 115 nautical mile route.
Austal has celebrated its latest development in high-speed trimaran technology by unveiling an 83 meter trimaran ferry, under construction for JR Kyushu Jet Ferry of Japan, in a ceremony at the company’s Henderson South shipyard in Western Australia.
Austal Hull 396, to be known as Queen Beetle, was designed and constructed by Austal Australia and is due for launch in mid-March 2020. The vessel will be handed over to JR Kyushu Jet Ferry in June 2020 and will commence services between Busan, South Korea and Fukuoka, Japan in July 2020.
Speaking at the reveal ceremony, which was attended by more than 100 guests, Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the company was proud to be introducing the new trimaran to Japan while offering outstanding value to a new customer, JR Kyushu Jet Ferry.
“We’re very proud to be introducing this new Austal trimaran to one of the most technologically advanced and mature markets in the world,” said Singleton. “In fact, Queen Beetle will be the first high-speed trimaran ferry to be delivered to and operate in Japan.
“This stunning new ship will truly transform the fast-ferry journey between Japan and South Korea, offering significantly improved seakeeping and an exceptional on-board experience for passengers and crew.
“With a capacity to carry 502 passengers in greater comfort, with previously unavailable amenities such as a shop and café, this new trimaran represents outstanding value to our customer, JR Kyushu Jet Ferry,” he said.
JR Kyushu Railway Company President Toshihiko Aoyagi, and JR Kyushu Jet Ferry President Masayuki Mizuno, who both traveled from Japan to attend the ceremony, congratulated the Austal project team on the progress of the vessel and remarked on the growing anticipation for the new ship in Japan.
“JR Kyushu Jet Ferry is very excited about the imminent launch, completion and delivery of the Queen Beetle trimaran and we look forward to commencing services in Japan, in July. The reveal ceremony has assured us the Queen Beetle will be the most impressive ship in our fleet,” Mr Aoyagi said.
The distinctively red-painted Queen Beetle will be able to transport 502 passengers (and 20 crew) across two passenger decks, at speeds up to 37 knots on the 115 nautical mile route.
Featuring a customized interior designed by Eiji Mitooka of Don Design Associates, the Queen Beetle offers two classes of seating plus compartments for groups and families, a children’s play area and nursing room, a café and bar, duty-free shop, lockers for luggage and all-access spaces for wheelchairs and prams. An outdoor viewing deck will further enhance the on-board experience for passengers.
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
- Length overall 83.50 meters
- Length (waterline) 79.60 meters
- Beam (moulded) 20.20 meters
- Hull depth (moulded) 6.30 meters
- Hull draft (maximum) 3.60 meters
PAYLOAD AND CAPACITIES
- Passengers 502
- Crew 20 (Subject to Flag)
- Maximum deadweight 115 tonnes
- Fuel 55,000 liters
PROPULSION
- Main engines 4 x MTU 16V1163 M74 (IMO Tier II)
- Gearboxes 4 x ZF 40060 NR2H
- Waterjets 4 x KaMeWa 90 S4
PERFORMANCE
- Speed 36.90 knots @ 85% MCR
CLASSIFICATION
- Society DNV GL
- Class Notation + 1A HSLC R2 Passenger EO HSC Category B
- Flag State Panama
INTERIOR DESIGN
- Designer Don Design Associates
