Product Information

Fast Freight

The transportation market is forever seeking greater efficiencies and shorter delivery times.

In May 2001 the largest of Austal's flagship Auto Express car ferries built to date, the 101 metre "EuroFerrys Pacifica" had the distinction of being the largest high speed catamaran in the world with diesel propulsion.

Whilst previous Auto Express ferries accommodated a 12 tonne axle load suitable for loading buses, the Auto Express 101 delivered a 15 tonne axle load. Lane widths of 3.5 metres and the use of stern and bow doors allowed full utilization of the vessel's 341 freight lane metres. With a sizeable 750 tonne deadweight and the ability to carry semi-trailers, the capacity and flexibility of the vessel enabled the operator to replace a smaller fast ferry and one conventional ferry thereby reducing operating costs whilst providing an improved service.

Since then Austal has further developed its Auto Express range, through "WestPac Express" for the United States Marine Corp to the impressive 127 metre long trimaran "Benchijigua Express" for Fred. Olsen S.A which boasts over 400 truck lane metres.

Multihull platforms have been developed by Austal for high speed transport of containers, trucks, trailers, pallets & aircraft ULDs, with/without passengers, refrigerated if required.

These Fast Freighters can provide alternatives to air and road haulage, provide new high frequency operations or offer feed direct from city to airport. Shallow draft and high manoeuvrability also mean little or no need for major port developments.

The Fast Freighters proposed by Austal offer viable and exciting solutions and our vehicle/passenger catamarans are already carrying a mix of freight vehicles.

Austal Ro-Con Express Powered by Gas Turbines or, for improved fuel economy burning IFO fuel, medium speed diesels. TEUs loaded by roll-on bogeys, pre-loaded prior to arrival. The vessel can also be configured with aircraft ULDs along the centre line.

LOA: 95 m - 116m Containers: 80-140 TEU All Reefer if needed Speed/Range: 30-45 knots Typically: 300-800 nm

Austal Ro-Ro Express Sized for 38 tonne trucks. Fast tie-down and lashing systems.

LOA: 95 m - 116 m Lane Metres: 730 (116 m) Trucks (38 tonne): Typically 30-40 Speed/Range: 30-45 knots Typically: 200-800 nm

Austal Ro-Pax Express Combination of pax and freight provides versatility to meet varying seasonal demands or where volumes of each separately are insufficient for dedicated vessel.

LOA: 95 m - 116 m Passengers: Typically 1000 Trucks (38 tonne): Up to 38 trucks Speed/Range: 30-50 + knots Typically: < 300 nm

Austal Reefer / Pallet Express Can be offered in "convertable" role : catering for dry-goods on trailers/trucks for the return (typically low demand) sector.

LOA: 95 m - 116 m Pallets: Up to 1260 Speed/Range: Typically 30 knots for 1000 nm

Austal Air Hub Feeder

LOA: 52 m Pallets: 80 tonnes in ULDs Speed/Range: 36 knots (50 t payload) 400 nm