Image Marine News

The propulsion system is a critical part of all patrol craft. There are different types of propulsion systems available for use on these craft, and selecting the “best” one for the application at hand is not to be taken lightly. You will note that I used “best” in quotes, which I’ve done to hint at the subjective nature of the decision. Propellers, waterjets, sterndrives, outboards – they are all commercial off the shelf technologies which are mature and used in different patrol craft applications.

A containerized liquefied natural gas (LNG) solution jointly developed by Marine Service GmbH and Newport Shipping has received approval in principle (AIP) from classification society Bureau Veritas (BV).The 40' ISO LNG Fuel Tank Container System is suitable for LNG-fueled newbuildings and retrofits of container vessels.The LNG fuel tank container is a class approved Type C LNG fuel tank in accordance with the IGF-code and is based on German TÜV certified IMDG Container. The capacity of the tank is 31 gross tonnes and about 33m3 of LNG.

Austal USA, the fast expanding US aluminum shipyard subsidiary of Austal Ships, has signed an important contract for a catamaran dinner cruise vessel with the well-established and highly respected Island Queen Cruises of Miami, Florida. Contract value is not being published but delivery will be in November 2002 in time for the busy Christmas season. Charles Sofge, the major shareholder in Island Queen, is also a partner in the ownership of Aqua Cat, the vessel delivered earlier this year to Blackbeard Cruises by Image Marine, part of the Austal Group. This new order represents a strong endorsement of the quality of the Austal Group ship design and construction and a clear illustration of the synergies within the group.

Reflecting the its existing Austal catamarans, Hong Kong based New World First Ferry Services (Macau) Limited [“First Ferry (Macau)”] has signed its third contract with Austal Ships in two years. The latest order is for two 47.5 metre passenger catamarans that will take the total number of vessels built by Austal for the group to seven. Austal subsidiary Image Marine will shortly deliver two 41 metre harbour cruise vessels to New World First Travel Services Limited, a member of NWS Holdings Limited, and will also build the two new catamarans.

Image Marine has announced a contract for a live-aboard adventure vessel for North Star Cruises.The repeat contract demonstrates the confidence the client has in Image Marine’s expertise in this specialist field. North Star Cruises took delivery of its first live-aboard, the Image Marine-built ‘True North’, in January 1999. With capacity for 28 passengers in 14 cabins, the 34.5 metre vessel has proved hugely successful cruising the remote Kimberley region of North Western Australia and led to North Star Cruises’ reputation as one of the most renowned tourist operations in Australia. North Star Cruises Director, Mr Craig Howson said Image Marine was an obvious choice to build the vessel.

Austal Limited has secured a contract for two 136 ft. passenger/cargo catamarans for ferry operator, Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskad ASA (OVDS) of Norway. The two new aluminium catamarans will be built by Austal subsidiary, Image Marine and are due for delivery at the end of April 2003. Austal’s managing director, Bob McKinnon said the contract was won in very competitive circumstances, including competition from local Norwegian shipyards. “This is the second contract for a Norwegian client by the Austal group and is the result of a concerted team effort by Image and Austal sales and design staff,” McKinnon said. “OVDS' preference for an Austal product and our ability to offer a fully customized vessel were major factors in securing this order. The two 136 ft.

Austal Ships has received a contract for two 136 ft. passenger/cargo catamarans for ferry operator, Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskad ASA (OVDS) of Norway. Designed for difficult sea and harsh weather conditions, the two new aluminium catamarans are due for delivery at the end of April 2003 and will be built by Austal subsidiary, Image Marine. Capable of carrying 216 passengers and 30 Euro pallets (12 tons of refrigerated cargo), the two vessels will operate from the Norwegian port of Bodo. Austal’s managing director, Bob McKinnon said the contract was won in very competitive circumstances, including competition from local Norwegian shipyards.

Ten years ago, a RoRo passenger service called Sealink, commenced in the Bahamas — operating from Nassau to port of Governor's Harbor on the adjacent island of Eleuthera. The vessel that performed this service was an aging 14-knot Greek ferry, which established a solid market within the RoRo sector. Despite its healthy growth spurt, the venture ceased in 1993 resulting from rising repair costs and maintenance, specifically in the machinery department, as some engine parts had since been discontinued. Then a group of local businessmen purchased an Australian RoPax catamaran to re-enter the Eleuthera trade. This vessel, which incidentally is also named Sealink, is from the Sea Transport Solutions (STS) design studio in Queensland, Australia.

The teaming of Austal Ships and Bender Shipbuilding to construct, from the ground up, a world-class aluminum vessel construction facility in Mobile, Ala., highlights the level of investment mid-tier U.S. yards have made in the past five years. Austal, which is well regarded for its fast craft design and construction prowess, will have at its disposal arguably one of the finest plate production facilities in the country, as well as access to a market for its signature craft, which is seemingly poised to boom. The two companies, however found that through a melding of similar ideas — both on a philosophical and financial level — that they could assimilate their cultural and business practices to form what aspires to become the largest aluminum shipbuilding company in the U.S. — Austal USA.

Image Marine has delivered White Rabbit, a 118 ft. (36m)-cruise catamaran for private operation in Asia. Image has a background in supplying high quality customized vessels to the commercial live-abroad sector, however, White Rabbit is the first to be built exclusively for private operation. With a cruising speed of approximately 20 knots, the vessel is based in Singapore and will be used for coastal cruising to destinations such as the Philippines, Indonesia and the Asian Region. Facilities aboard the White Rabbit are spread throughout two decks with the spacious upper deck dedicated to the owner's suite, bridge and captain's cabin. Custom designed to meet the needs of the owner, the master suite features full-length windows on both sides of the room to optimize ocean views.

Image Marine signed a contract to built a 34 m dinner cruise catamaran for Blue Line Cruises of Sydney, Australia for operation in Sydney Harbor. Blue Line, which is part of the Accor Group, currently operates the vessels Sydney Showboats and Majistic along the Harbor. The new vessel will be ready to join the fleet in August 2001. Touring the Harbor by day and night, the aluminum catamaran will boast an approximate cruising speed of five knots. Passengers will have the benefits of a climate control air conditioning system for all weather conditions, entertainment facilities and a large fully equipped galley.

Image Marine has delivered White Rabbit, a 118-ft. cruise catamaran for private operation in Asia. Image has a background in supplying high quality customized vessels to the commercial live-abroad sector, however, White Rabbit is the first to be built exclusively for private operation. With a cruising speed of approximately 20 knots, the vessel is based in Singapore and will be used for coastal cruising to destinations such as the Philippines, Indonesia and the Asian Region. Facilities aboard the White Rabbit are spread throughout two decks with the spacious upper deck dedicated to the owner's suite, bridge and captain's cabin. Custom designed to meet the needs of the owner, the master suite features full-length windows on both sides of the room to optimize ocean views.

By Regina P. The teaming of Austal Ships and Bender Shipbuilding to construct a world-class aluminum vessel construction facility in Mobile, Ala., highlights the level of investment mid-tier U.S. yards have made in the past five years. Austal, which is well regarded for its fast craft design and construction prowess, will have at its disposal arguably one of the finest plate production facilities in the country, as well as access to a market for its signature craft, which seems to be poised to boom. The two companies, however, found that through a melding of similar ideas - both on a philosophical and financial level - that they could assimilate their cultural and business practices to form what aspires to become the largest aluminum shipbuilding company in the U.S. - Austal USA.

Lisbon will introduce nine new low-wash fast ferries over the next two years. The new vessels are in response to an increase in ferry commuters and an outdated ferry service currently operating in the city’s waterways. Sociedade Fluvial de Transportes S.A. (Soflusa) has ordered seven 49 meter passenger-only ferries to operate between Sul e Sueste terminal and Barreiro in Lisbon. Each of the Damen Fast Ferry 4912 catamaran vessels will carry up to 600 passengers and four crew at a service speed of 25 knots. Damen Shipyards in Singapore will build the ferries, with the first scheduled for delivery in early 2003, and the seventh early 2004. In addition, two low-wash river ferries were delivered to Portugal early in 2002 and are operating successfully in waterways of Lisbon.

Image Marine’s has delivered of a 128 ft. (39 m) aluminium catamaran for operation in the coastal waters of the Maldives. The Island Explorer will add an exciting new dimension to the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts group’s award winning property in the Maldives. Designed as a mini ‘floating hotel’, the vessel provides comfortable accommodation for up to 22 passengers, and in essence adds a brand new, all waterfront wing to the existing Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kuda Huraa. Image Marine’s Sales Manager, Mark Stothard, said the concept has numerous benefits for resort and hotel operations in similar island and coastal regions. “By placing a quality live-aboard vessel offshore…

The most recent application of Image Marine’s expertise in producing custom vessels for comfort and recreation afloat is a 72-ft. (22 m) aluminium catamaran destined for the waters of South East Asia. While live-aboard dive boats and dinner cruisers continue to generate widespread acclaim for Image’s tourism vessels among commercial operators, this latest completion has been built and outfitted to meet the needs of a private owner. Image Marine’s Sales Manager, Mark Stothard, explains that the trade and private spheres share some common requirements. “Regardless of whether the boat is intended for personal enjoyment or profit-making, owners want a boat that will be comfortable, reliable, well-built, economical to operate and easy to maintain.

Austal has announced that it has secured an order for three Coast Guard vessels from the Government of Kuwait, Ministry of Interior. The trio of 22 metre aluminium monohulls will be built by Austal subsidiary, Image Marine and are due for delivery by early 2004. Austal Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon, said the contract was won against stiff international competition as part of a global tender process, and demonstrated the company’s ability to penetrate new markets. “Securing this contract with the Kuwait Coast Guard, together with our short-listing for the Royal Australian Navy patrol boat project, shows that there is considerable potential for Austal in this market,” he said.

Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships is pleased to announce an unconditional contract for a 66 metre high speed vehicle-passenger catamaran for a well-established ferry operator. This is the customer’s first contract with Austal and brings the total number of vessels under construction for the Austal group to 16. Due for delivery in August 2003, the Auto Express 66 will operate at a speed of approximately 31 knots and will have the capacity to carry 450 passengers and 69 cars or 110 lane metres of trucks plus 37 cars. Austal Ships also has an 86 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran ferry available for delivery in June / July 2003. Capable of loaded speeds in excess of 42 knots, this vessel provides capacity for 774 passengers and 238 cars or 10 trucks and fewer cars.

Austal Ships has reported that a pair of cruise yachts ordered by Bora Bora Cruises of Tahiti are in the final stages of fitout at its modern shipyard south of Perth, Western Australia. “Tu Moana” and “Tia Moana” (meaning ‘strong on the ocean’ and ‘sure and stable on the ocean’) each provide 74 passenger berths in 37 outside cabins. The two cruise yachts will feature a high degree of comfort and luxury with a modern design inspired by Tahitian traditional art and incorporating the European touch of Tillberg Designs. Onboard features include a restaurant and galley catering for all passengers in a single sitting, gymnasium, library, indoor and outdoor lounges, two jacuzzis, an expansive sun deck and a host of watersports equipment, with easy access to the water.

Image Marine of Western Australia, a member of the Austal Group, has ordered Hamilton Waterjets for two River Catamarans to operate in Portugal. Each of the two 121 ft. (37-m) catamarans will be fitted with twin Hamilton Model HM651 waterjets, which will be controlled using Hamilton's MECS electronic control system, to give an operational speed of 29 knots.

Designed and built specifically for harsh Norwegian weather conditions and to meet the service requirements of isolated communities, Image Marine’s first vessels for the European market present a new benchmark for the Australian shipbuilder. Built for leading ferry operator Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab asa (OVDS) and named “Salten” and “Steigtind”, the passenger-cargo catamarans will operate out of the far northern port of Bodø. Capable of 35 knots and with capacity for 214 passengers and 30 Euro pallets (12 tonnes) of refrigerated cargo, the 41.3 metre vessels provide not only a passenger service, but also the only transportation link for travel and supplies between many small islands and the mainland.

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.