Austal to build catamaran for Asian operator

Shipbuilder Austal has won a $26 million contract to build a high-speed catamaran crew boat for an unnamed operator based in South-East Asia.

In a statement, Austal said the 57.6-metre advanced, multi-task crew boat would be capable of quickly and safely transferring 90 offshore personnel plus cargo at up to 40 knots, and would be wholly constructed at its Philippines shipyard.

It will be completed in the third quarter of 2016.

The vessel will also have a search and rescue capability, with an on-board fast rescue craft available for quick launch when necessary.

Austal chief executive Andrew Bellamy said the contract win further reinforced the company’s position as a preferred partner in the global offshore vessel market.

“With the recent announcement of a contract to deliver a 70m fast crew boat for Caspian Marine Services, this new contract further demonstrates Austal’s capability to develop effective, customised solutions for any offshore operational requirement,” Mr Bellamy said.

Austal shares were 0.8 per cent lower to $1.78 per share at 12:45pm.