Fred.Olsen Gets New Austal Ships Ferry
Even a cursory analysis of the performance and capacity specifications of the Auto Express 66 catamaran “Bocayna Express” makes it obvious that Austal Ships has provided Fred. Olsen, SA with a class-leading ferry that reflects each company’s position at the forefront of the international fast ferry industry. Now that the 66 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran has completed sea trials and been handed over, the Australian shipbuilder and Spanish ferry operator are pleased to confirm that both speed and deadweight are higher than previously revealed. During construction every effort was made to save weight and a significant reduction in displacement has resulted in a fantastic improvement in maximum deadweight, which is in excess of 300 tonnes.
Trimaran Christened for Fred. Olsen S.A.
The newest and most significant vessel yet to arrive on the world fast ferry scene was christened Benchijigua Express in a ceremony at the yard of high speed ship builder Austal in Henderson, Western Australia on November 5. Godmother of the vessel Mrs Juana Hernández Cabrera, wife of Fred. Olsen, S.A. Managing Director Mr Guillermo Van de Waal, cut the ribbon to christen the trimaran with a magnum of champagne across her bow. Also in attendance from Fred. Olsen, S.A. were Mr Fred Olsen Jnr, Chairman, the vessel’s senior officers and management from the company’s European offices. Powered by four diesel engines driving three waterjets the Auto Express 127 trimaran will be able to maintain Fred.
Austal to Build Multihull Vessel
Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships and European ferry operator Fred. Olsen, S.A. are delighted to announce the signing of an historic contract for the world’s largest high-speed multihull vessel which will be based on a new hullform. When delivered in the second half of 2004, the 126.7 metre cargo-vehicle-passenger fast ferry will also be larger than any existing diesel-powered fast ferry – catamaran or monohull. It is also believed to be the world’s largest all-aluminium ship. Confirmation of the order demonstrates both companies’ leadership in the global fast ship industry and is the outcome of a collaboration, involving more than three years of research and development effort, to produce the new design.
