First Hawaii Superferry "Alakai" Handover

Sea Trials Achieve Or Surpass All Performance Parameters

The 107 metre Auto Express vehicle-passenger catamaran, launched at Austal’s Mobile, Alabama facility on January 18, 2007 for the Hawaii Superferry Corporation has been officially named “Alakai” (Hawaiian for “ocean path”). The ferry will now transit to the Hawaiian Islands to commence service in August 2007.

In April, “Alakai” successfully completed sea trials conducted in the Gulf of Mexico. There were numerous challenges involved in completing the largest aluminium ship built to date in the USA to ensure adherence to stringent weight controls and construction standards Austal is renowned for in its high performance vessels. It quickly became evident that the American design and construction team had indeed set a high standard when the ferry was put to the test in Gulf waters.

“Sea trials went very well and we are extremely pleased with the capabilities of this vessel,” said Austal’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Spiegel. “It’s truly remarkable to experience the power and control of this catamaran. Completing sea trials in only five days and achieving or surpassing all performance parameters specified for the vessel is an excellent result.”

At 90% MCR (maximum engine power) the ferry achieved 40 knots (two knots above contractual requirements) with operating deadweight onboard and an installed active Ride Control System. The ferry consistently averaged 42.5 knots at 100% MCR during the course of trials.

“A new era of inter-island travel and transportation has begun with the christening of “Alakai,” said Hawaii Superferry President and Chief Executive Officer John Garibaldi at the Christening Ceremony held in Mobile on April 14. “We appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of our communities and look forward to providing an affordable, convenient and fun travel alternative for Hawaii’s residents, businesses and visitors.”

In conjunction with the christening, the Governor of Alabama, the Mayor of Mobile and the County Commissioner of Mobile issued three separate proclamations declaring the day "Hawaii Superferry Day." A key to the City of Mobile was also given to Garibaldi.

The Hawaiian naming ceremony for “Alakai” was led by Kahu Kauila Clark, a highly respected cultural practitioner who has performed Native Hawaiian traditional ceremonies and healing arts for 31 years throughout Hawaii, and other parts of the U.S., and the world.

With a second identical vessel under construction, Hawaii Superferry’s catamaran-hulled vessels draw inspiration from the proud maritime heritage of Hawaii, while the vessel’s design was carefully selected following in-depth studies of Hawaii’s weather and ocean patterns with added sensitivity to the Islands’ unique natural resources.

Hawaii Superferry plans to use Austal fast ferry technology to establish Hawaii’s first high-speed vehicle-passenger service. Each catamaran can carry 866 passengers and up to 282 cars (or a combination of 28 twelve metre trucks and 65 cars) and provide services connecting Honolulu to Maui and Kauai in three hours and from Honolulu to the Big Island in approximately four hours. The second ferry will begin service in early 2009. With the entry into service of the second ferry, two round trips per day between Maui and Oahu and one round trip per day between Kauai and Oahu and the Island of Hawaii and Oahu will be offered.

With a draft of 3.6 metres (11’8”) and a beam of 24 metres (78’), the ferry will commute between the Hawaiian Islands at speeds up to 40 knots. The vessel is four decks high, including two decks for the car and truck loading, one deck for passengers and the bridge deck reserved for the pilot and his crew. The 2nd deck or mezzanine deck is 2/3 hoistable in order to facilitate parking for lighter cars and leave maximum parking space for the larger trucks.

The Upper Deck or passenger deck includes many premiere amenities for 866 passengers of all ages besides comfortable seating. This deck includes a bar and lounge on each end, food counter, gift shop, video game room, children’s play area, restrooms, crew mess, purser’s office, and first aid room.

With two 127 metre trimaran Littoral Combat Ships also under construction in the Austal USA shipyard, U.S. Navy and Army representatives have toured “Alakai” throughout its construction as part of the ongoing evaluation of potential Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) platforms. The JHSV will provide a transformational capability supporting the global war on terrorism, major combat operations, and emerging operational concepts, including the Army Future Force and Seabasing.

With a requirement for eight vessels, Capt. Patricia Sudol, Program Manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft, commented, “The JHSV will be able to transport, very comfortably, a company-sized body of personnel, with their equipment and with their vehicles, from place to place.”

“Operated by a crew of 41 the JHSV is expected to be approximately 137 metres (450’) in length and able to carry upwards of 545 tonnes (600 short tons)”, Sudol said. “It can travel at speeds of at least 35 knots and has a range of 1,200 nautical miles before refuelling,” she added. The ship will be able to get into austere ports, and it won't need line handlers in ports or cranes to off load equipment. Sudol explained, “It won't need any significant infrastructure in the port.”

“In our experience with the Austal “WestPac Express,” [the Marine Corps] found that not only were they saving flying personnel and equipment from training site to training site, they found they were saving time and wear and tear on their people,” she said. "Entire units were able to get to the training site together, and unit integrity is always a very appealing criteria for military groups.”

“Alakai” is also the subject of an in depth National Geographic documentary filmed for their “Mega Structures” series. Due for broadcast in September, the programme will cover all aspects of the vessel’s design, construction, launch and sea trials.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS

Length overall:   106.5 meters / 349’-4”
Length waterline:  92.4 meters / 303’-1”
Beam moulded:  23.8 meters / 78’-1”
Hull depth moulded:  9.4 meters / 30’-10”
Hull draft (maximum): 3.65 meters / 11’-8”
Deadweight (maximum):  800 tonnes / 882 tons
Passengers  866
Crew  as per USCG requirements

Fuel (approx):  215,000 litres/ 56,800 gallons

PROPULSION

Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V 8000 M71 8,200 kW at 1150 rpm
Propulsion:   4 x KaMeWa 125 S11
Service speed:  40.0 knots, 90% MCR @ operational deadweight and with active Ride Control System

SURVEY

Classification: Germanischer Lloyd in accordance with the International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft, IMO Resolution MSC.97(73) Annex 5 Class Notation:
Hull: +100 A5, HSC-B OC4 Craft High Speed Passenger/ Ro-Ro Type
Machinery: +MC, AUT