Australian shipbuilder, Austal, has announced the delivery of a 30 metre high speed aluminium catamaran for VS Grand Ferries corporation in the Philippines.
The Incat Crowther designed ship was built at Austal Phillipines’ shipyard in Balamban, Cebu. The new MV Seacat provides capacity for 300 passengers at speeds up to 25 knots.
The $5.5 millon contract was awarded to Austal in August 2017 with construction commencing in September 2017. The Seacat project is the first locally operated vessel to be built to achieve Pioneer status, the prestigious enhanced safety standard rating in the Philippines, with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
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“Austal Philippines has developed into an established and very successful shipyard that has produced high quality vessels for the worldwide market since 2012. Austal has been proud to be leading this sovereign industrial capability development for the Philippines” Austal CEO, David Singleton said.
“Our Philippines facilities employs more than 500 highly skilled local employees in a broad range of professional, technical and trade roles. Austal Philippines has been responsible for developing the local SME industry and supply chain whilst also collaborating with local universities and educational establishments to truly develop a sovereign industrial capability for the Philippines,” Singleton said.
In the last two years, Austal Philippines has delivered six high-speed commercial vessels. Austal Philippines is currently constructing modules for a 109 metre next generation high-speed catamaran for Fjord Line of Norway, the largest aluminium passenger ferry to be built in the Philippines. The vessel will be completed in a brand new purpose-built 120 metre long assembly facility, Austal’s largest outside of the USA. The new facilities are under construction and on track to be completed in early 2019.