Second 118 meter Fred. Olsen Express trimaran completes sea trials
Written by Nick Blenkey
Austal Philippines will soon deliver the second of two 118 meter trimarans for Fred. Olsen Express; the Bañaderos Express, from the company’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu [Image: Austal Philippines]
Bañaderos Express (Austal Hull 395), the second of two Austal Auto Express 118 trimarans constructed for Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands, has completed a rigorous program of sea trials in Cebu, Philippines. Built by Austal Philippines, the vessel is the sister ship to the Bajamar Express, constructed in Australia and delivered in 2020.
Austal reports that Bañaderos Express easily achieved its contract speed of 37.5 knots during multiple trials, confirming the vessel’s capability to achieve high-speed performance while delivering optimum comfort for passengers and crew.
“Austal’s proven trimaran hull design and integrated smart-ship technology, including MARINELINK-Smart and Motion Control System help deliver high speed performance and improved seakeeping, with greater passenger comfort,” said Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg. “The new Bañaderos Express is the sister ship to the Bajamar Express, constructed in Australia and delivered in 2020. Fred. Olsen Express recently celebrated the first year anniversary of Bajamar Express’ operations which included an impressive 2,000 trips, transporting 307,000 passengers, 129,000 vehicles and 222,000 line meters of cargo vehicles, delivered on schedule on 97% of journeys.”
“The 9/10 customer satisfaction rating achieved for Bajamar Express bodes very well for the new Bañaderos Express and further highlights the effectiveness of the trimaran hull form, Austal’s design and construction capabilities, and of course Fred. Olsen Express’ impeccable service standards,” he added.
Capable of transporting 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at a cruising speed of over 37 knots, the new ferries for Fred. Olsen Express feature interior amenities and facilities that include multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop and children’s play area and will operate on Fred. Olsen Express’ Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and Agaete, Gran Canaria, routes in the Canary Islands in the fourth quarter of 2021.
