Austal Delivers Fast Twins for Hong Kong Fleet
Austal has delivered its latest high speed passenger catamarans to a market that did much to establish the Australian shipbuilder as a world leader in the design and construction of high speed ferries. Hong Kong based New World First Ferry Services (Macau) Limited accepted delivery of two 47.5 metre passenger catamarans at the beginning of September, taking the total number of Austal-built vessels in its fleet to seven. Officiating at the colourful Launching Ceremony at Hong Kong’s Dragon Cruise Pier and at Macau Ferry Terminal were Mr R C L Footman, JP, Commissioner for Transport of Hong Kong SAR Government and Mr Ao Man Long, Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macau SAR Government.
True North Enters Service
Following successful sea trials, Austal’s latest cruise yacht, the 36 passenger “True North” has been handed over to its owner and operator, North Star Cruises Australia. Several high-profile promotional events for local media were held whilst the vessel was in Fremantle, including a visit from rock music legend, Sting. North Star Cruises Australia Director, Craig Howson commented “True North appears to have captured the imagination of the luxury adventure cruise market. We are thrilled with the early response of both passengers and industry alike. We are particularly thrilled with the current level of enquiry and everyone at North Star is looking forward to a very successful year”.
Image Marine Delivers Island Explorer
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…
High Speed Fishing/Dive Catamaran Delivered to Asia
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.
Image Marine on Display with Cool Cats for Norway
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.
