Austal Limited has secured a contract worth A$15.5 million (US$10.7 million) from SGTM, a ferry operator in the Comoros Islands, to construct a 41-meter high-speed catamaran. This vessel is designed to carry 400 passengers and 20 tonnes of cargo across two decks, evidencing Austal’s commitment to advancing its shipyard operations in Vietnam.
The new catamaran is based on a proven Austal design, with customer-specific modifications to be undertaken in Vietnam. Construction is set to commence in March 2020 and will follow the completion of a 94-meter ferry for Trinidad and Tobago. Delivery of the new vessel is anticipated approximately one year after construction begins.
Austal’s CEO, David Singleton, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing its importance for the company’s ongoing investment in their Vietnamese facility. He noted that the contract will provide essential production continuity and highlighted Austal’s strong position in the competitive 40–50 meter high-speed catamaran market, having built 80 vessels in this category since the early 1990s.
Michel Labourdere, Director of SGTM, reflected on the trust placed in Austal for this new build, citing the success of a previously acquired pre-owned vessel, the Marine View, which had been in service since 2013. He credited the outstanding performance of another Austal vessel, the Ntringui Express, as a significant factor in SGTM’s decision.
Founded in 2004, SGTM is an active operator with three passenger vessels and two freight transport ships operating between Mayotte, Anjouan, and Great Comoros, facilitating the transport of over 100,000 passengers annually.
The specifications of the Passenger Express 41 include an overall length of 41.2 meters, a beam of 10.9 meters, and a draft of 2.0 meters. The vessel is powered by four MTU 12V2000 M72 engines and four Kamewa 56A3 waterjets, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 31.5 knots at Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR) and covering a range of approximately 370 nautical miles. Additionally, it will feature Austal’s advanced motion control systems, including active interceptors and T-foils, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride.
This contract represents a significant step for both Austal and SGTM, showcasing Austal’s capabilities in delivering high-performance maritime solutions tailored to customer needs in diverse markets.
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