Austal has launched the first of two 118-m high-speed trimaran ferries currently under construction for Fred Olsen Express of the Canary Islands
The high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry Bajamar Express was launched at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard on 4 February 2020 and is now in the final stages of fit out prior to scheduled delivery in Q2 2020.
Austal chief executive David Singleton said “With today’s launch of Bajamar Express, our internationally competitive Australian team has again demonstrated an inherent capability to design and construct advanced, cutting-edge vessels efficiently and cost effectively.
“Austal developed the world’s first and largest high-speed passenger trimaran ferry, Benchijigua Express, here in Henderson Western Australia and it is with great pride that we now launch the latest evolution of that highly successful, proven design.”
He added “This latest trimaran will provide Fred Olsen Express with class-leading seakeeping, improved fuel economy and greater passenger comfort that builds upon the unrivalled reputation of the iconic Benchijigua Express.”
Bajamar Express (Hull 394) is a 118-m aluminium trimaran, capable of transporting more than 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at speeds up to 38 knots. Along with its sister ship Bañaderos Express (Hull 395), under construction at Austal Philippines, the ship features an optimised trimaran hull form and is fitted with Austal’s motion control technology that the shipyard says delivers a smoother ride and an enhanced on board experience for both customers and crew.
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