Expanded Coastal Marine Transport Network News

Austal’s Auto Express catamaran ferry Shinas, built for the Sultanate of Oman, has achieved a record service speed of 52 knots during sea trials. The vessel’s confirmed service speed of 52 knots exceeds contract requirements by one knot, with the vessel also reaching a peak speed of 55.9 knots (103.5 km/h) during its recently completed sea trials. Shinas is the first of two identical vessels being built for the Sultanate of Oman at Austal’s facilities in Henderson, Western Australia - showcasing the world-class ability of the Austal design and construction team. The Sultanate’s requirements challenged Austal’s experienced team of Naval Architects to develop a new…

Austal’s 213 ft. (65 meter) Auto Express catamaran ferry “Shinas”, built for the Sultanate of Oman, has achieved a record service speed of 52 knots during sea trials, making it the fastest diesel-powered vehicle-passenger ferry currently in commercial service. The vessel’s confirmed service speed of 52 knots exceeds contract requirements by one knot, with the vessel also reaching a peak speed of 55.9 knots (103.5 km/h) during its recently completed sea trials. “Shinas” is the first of two identical vessels being built for the Sultanate of Oman at Austal’s facilities in Henderson.