Austal Limited has announced the delivery of the A.P.T. James, the first vessel fully constructed at its Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam. This significant milestone illustrates the capabilities of Austal Vietnam in shipbuilding and is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its defense and commercial vessel production in the Australasia region.
The A.P.T. James is a 94-meter high-speed catamaran designed for the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCo) of Trinidad and Tobago. Built as an Auto Express 94 vehicle-passenger ferry, it will operate on the sea bridge route between Trinidad and Tobago, fulfilling an essential transportation role for the islands. The vessel features Austal’s iconic raked bow and optimized hull design, crafted from all-aluminum, which contributes to its high-speed capabilities. It can carry up to 926 passengers and 250 cars, reaching speeds of 37.5 knots.
Moreover, A.P.T. James is equipped with Austal’s smart ship technology, including an advanced motion control system, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride for both passengers and crew. Named after the Tobago-born politician A.P.T. James, who was a strong advocate for development in Tobago during his tenure from 1946 to 1961, the vessel reflects the region’s cultural heritage as well.
CEO David Singleton called the delivery of A.P.T. James an outstanding achievement, highlighting the skill and determination of the local workforce. He emphasized that the delivery from the Vung Tau shipyard, accomplished in less than two years since its inception, showcases the success of Austal’s Australasian strategy. Singleton noted that the facility in Vietnam has become a valuable asset within Austal’s global shipbuilding network. This development allows the company to enhance its shipbuilding capabilities while maintaining capacity for defense contracts at its Australian shipyard.
Looking forward, Austal Vietnam is progressing on its next project, a 41-meter high-speed catamaran ferry for SGTM of Mauritius, scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2021. This ongoing work underscores the growth and potential of Austal’s operations in the region, particularly in commercial vessel production, while maintaining a focus on defense capabilities in Australia.
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