VIDEO: Two trimarans in “sprint” showcase Austal capabilities
Written by Nick Blenkey
Austal Australia celebrated two high speed trimaran ferries traveling together, for the very first time, off the coast of Perth, Western Australia when the departing Bajamar Express was joined by the Queen Beetle for a short but impressive sprint along the coast. [Images: Austal Australia]
Austal Australia has released video showing two of its trimaran ferries in a side-by-side “sprint” off the coast of Perth, Western Australia.
As the 118 meter Bajamar Express (Austal Hull 394) was departing Australia on her delivery voyage to the Canary Islands, she was joined by the 83 meter Queen Beetle (Austal Hull 396) undergoing sea trials, in an historic moment captured on video.
The two trimarans are the latest designs of a proven hull form first developed for Fred. Olsen Express’s 127 meter Benchijigua Express in 2005.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said that seeing the two trimarans on the water together was a very proud moment for everyone at Austal Australia and its supply chain partners.
“Our shipyards, supply chain partners and of course our customers are thrilled to see the results of all our hard work, showcased in these two impressive trimarans,” Singleton said. “Seeing Bajamar Express side-by-side with Queen Beetle really does highlight Austal’s success in developing the trimaran hull as an effective high-speed commercial maritime transport solution.”
He noted that, following the delivery of Bajamar Express to Fred. Olsen Express, Austal has a further nine trimarans under construction or scheduled at its shipyards around the world.
Austal’s trimaran hull form offer ferry operators great flexibility in vessel design configuration for vehicle and passenger capacity, while delivering a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers.
The enhanced seakeeping of the trimaran hull, coupled with Austal’s motion control system and Marinelink-Smart program ensure a smoother, more stable ride for passengers and crew in the most challenging of sea states, says Austal.
When it commences services in the Canary Islands in August 2020, Bajamar Express will transport up to 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at cruising speeds of 38 knots; while the distinctively red-painted Queen Beetle will be able to transport 502 passengers on two passenger decks, at speeds of up to 37 knots on JR Kyushu Jet Ferry’s Fukuoka, Japan – Busan, South Korea route.
