Euroferrys News

The world's largest diesel powered fast catamaran ferry has entered service for Spanish operator Euroferrys and is now working on a route between Algeciras in southern Spain and Ceuta the Spanish principality on the north African coast, across the strait of Gibraltar. Euroferrys Pacifica is a 331 ft. (101 m) car ferry, which is the largest of Austal's flagship Auto Express type vessel and the largest high-speed catamaran in the world with diesel propulsion. With an immersed hull length of 291 ft. (88.7 m), molded beam of 87 ft. (26.6 m) and hull draft of 14 ft. (4.2 m), Euroferrys Pacifica has a passenger capacity of 951 passengers and 251 cars. The propulsion package comprises 4 x Caterpillar 3618 engines, 4 x Reintjes VLJ6831 gearboxes and 4 x Kamewa 125 SII waterjets.

The 101 m "Euroferrys Pacifica" has the distinction of not only being the largest of Austal's flagship Auto Express car ferries yet to be built, but is also the largest high speed catamaran in the world with diesel propulsion. Austal's Sales Director, Chris Norman, said "Austal's ability to fully customize, and without a doubt, the efficient vehicle handling of the Auto Express design, were principal reasons why Euroferrys chose Austal to develop this very exciting project, in particular, the bow door permits full utilization of the vessel's 340 freight lane meter (at 3.5-m width). The vessel has a sizeable 750 ton dwt and a new Austal design innovation in the garage - a hoistable vehicle ramp to facilitate a mix of vehicle and commercial/freight carriage.

The first of Austal's Auto Express 101 ferries is scheduled to debut this month for Spanish operator, Euroferrys, across the Strait of Gibraltar. The 331 ft. (101 m) Euroferrys Pacifica is the largest of Austal's flagship Auto Express car ferries ever built, and is also reported to be the largest high speed catamaran in the world with diesel propulsion. With the capacity for 951 passengers and 251 cars, the new aluminum ferry will operate on the 16 nm route between Algeciras on the southern coast of Spain and Ceuta in Spanish Morocco, completing six return crossings per day. Euroferrys currently operates a 256 ft. (78 m) fast ferry and two conventional ferries on two separate routes.

Incat received the award for Most Significant New Build-Fast Ferry at The Cruise and Ferry Exhibition and Conference held in London. The award was presented to builders Incat and owners Bollinger/Incat USA for the US Army Theater Support Vessel TSV-1X Spearhead at a gala dinner at the Hilton London Metropole. Shipping professionals crowned the 98 metre Spearhead as the ship most deserving of the title amidst fierce competition from other nominees, including: Austal Ships and EuroFerrys for EuroFerrys Pacifica; HDW and Superfast Ferries for the medium speed ships Superfast IX + X and Austal Ships and New World Fast Ferry for New Ferry LXXXI / LXXXII / LXXXIII.

Austal USA shipyard confirmed the order of two Austal, Auto Express 107 metre vehicle-passenger ferries for Hawaii Superferry (HSF), making the contract unconditional. Construction of the first ferry has been underway since June 2004 at Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard based on initial funding from Hawaii Superferry and a strategic decision by Austal to advance work on the structure in order to develop the workforce in readiness for the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship order. On present planning, the first ferry is due for delivery in December 2006. The second ferry will start in the second half of 2006 and is due for completion in first half of 2009.