Kawasaki Jet Piercer Hayabusa Launched

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Inc. launched a wave-piercing catamaran aluminum high speed car ferry, type Kawasaki Jet Piercer AMD 1500 Mark II for joint owners Maritime Credit Corporation of Japan, Tokyo and Kyushi Ferry Boat Co., Ltd., Yawatahama, Ehime Prefecture. The vessel is based on a design from Advanced Multi-Hull Designs (AMD) of Australia, and was christened Hayabusa, which means "falcon." Hayabusa is the first Kawasaki jet piercer. Hayabusa reportedly achieves excellent seakeeping with spear-like twin bows that pierce the waves rather than ride over them. Its propulsion system consists of four marine diesels driving a KPJ-169A wateijet propulsion system, developed and designed by Kawasaki. Two engines are fitted on each twin hull. The vessel features automated control for safe navigation by a reduced number of crew; a remote control and monitoring system for the main engines; and wateijets and main auxiliaries. The vessel will be outfitted after launching and is expected to be delivered this month.