AUSTAL Ships has signed a $24 million order for a medium sized vehicle-passenger catamaran with Tahitian ferry operator, Aremiti Cruise. Due for delivery in January 2004, the new boat will join three other ferries in the Aremiti fleet. The contract brings the value of the Austal group order book to approximately $455 million, with a total of 20 vessels now on order that provides construction activity well into 2004.