Following the recent official handover of three new Austal passenger ferries to New
World First Ferry (NWFF) of Hong Kong, Austal Ships has signed a contract for won new harbor cruise vessels with NWFF sister company New World Travel Services.
Scheduled for delivery in October 2003, the 134-ft. catamarans will be built in Western Australia by Austal subsidiary, Image Marine. Each vessel will accommodate 351 passengers, providing a continuous service between the attractions on Hong Kong Harbor. Cruising at up to 16 knots, the vessels will stop frequently allowing tourists to explore ashore before continuing their trip on the following service.
Once delivered, the aluminum vessels will be fitted with a distinctive water-spouting, fiberglass dragon. Running nearly the full length of the vessels and located above the superstructure, this will make the catamarans instantly recognizable.