Media Release

Austal Launches World's Largest Aluminium Ship

It is the most significant ship to arrive on the world high speed vessel scene, not just in terms of size but due to its ability to give a substantially smoother ride to passengers in rough sea conditions thanks to its trimaran design.

Construction of the ferry commenced at the Austal shipyard in Western Australia in September 2003. At the height of construction approximately 430 of the company’s 1200 staff were working on the project.

When Austal signed the contract to build a second high speed vehicle–passenger ferry for European ferry operator Fred. Olsen, S.A. in June last year, it signaled the start of not just another ferry from the world’s leading builder of high speed ships, but the creation of a new hullform that is set to revolutionise fast sea transportation.

Setting new industry standards for vessel performance “Benchijigua Express” is the outcome of collaboration between Fred. Olsen, S.A. and Austal involving more than three years of research and development to produce a new design which will not only enable operators to offer better service on existing routes but also begin operations on new routes where sea conditions are too challenging for existing fast ferries.

With 44,000 horsepower provided by four diesel engines driving three waterjets the Auto Express 127 trimaran will be able to maintain Fred. Olsen, S.A.’s projected service speed in excess of 40 knots (75km/h), and carry 1,350 passengers, over 340 cars and a substantial number of trucks. Seeing the vessel afloat for the first time Austal’s Chairman Mr. John Rothwell spoke of his deep sense of pride.

“The sight of this gigantic ship, the largest aluminium vessel to ever be built in the world, illustrates just how far Austal has come since it delivered its first vessel back in 1988,” Mr. Rothwell said.

“At 127 metres this huge vessel is 4¼ times longer than the first Austal-built live-aboard dive catamaran of just 30 metres which was built in approximately six months with just 30 people. Now we employ 1200 people,” he said.

“Benchijigua Express” is now undergoing final onboard fitout prior to undergoing sea trials during November. The vessel will then depart for the Canary Islands on a delivery voyage covering approximately 9,500 nautical miles.