Shipbuilder Austal has announced a $14 million contract to supply a 41 metre passenger ferry which will be built at its Henderson shipyard.
Austal said further details could not be released due to a customer confidentiality agreement.
The high-speed ferry is due for delivery in the second quarter of 2012.
Austal chief executive Andrew Bellamy said the timing of the contract was favourable.
The shipbuilder revealed late last month its profits would be hit this year by the high Australian dollar and a weak European commercial ferry market.
A review of its Henderson operations resulted in Austal committing to focus more on defence vessels rather than commercial ferries.
"This contract will enable Austal to retain its core capabilities in its highly skilled staff, which will assist in the planned objective of refocusing the Henderson yard's capabilities towards the manufacture and support of defence vessels," Mr Bellamy said.
At 9:32AM (WST) Austal's stock had gained 1.1 per cent, trading at $2.76.
