Austal delivers first of two 118 metre trimarans to Fred. Olsen Express
Austal Australia has delivered Hull 394, Bajamar Express, to Fred. Olsen Express at a ceremony held at the Company’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, the company said in its release.
The 118 metre high-speed trimaran ferry is the first of two identical vessels ordered by Fred. Olsen Express in a €126 million (A$190 million) contract in October 2017. The second vessel, Bañaderos Express (Austal Hull 395), is under construction at Austal Philippines shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, and is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2021.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Austal Chief Operating Officer Patrick Gregg said the Bajamar Express was the second trimaran to be delivered to Fred. Olsen Express and the 4th Austal vessel to join the Fred. Olsen fleet.
“Fred. Olsen Express recognised the enormous potential of the trimaran hull form for high-speed craft and engaged Austal to develop the original and still the largest trimaran ferry operating in the world, the 127 metre Benchijigua Express. Based on that ship’s success, Fred. Olsen Express ordered two more trimarans in 2017 and today we celebrate the first of these vessels to be delivered,” Mr Gregg said.
“Bajamar Express joins Benchijigua Express plus two Austal-built catamarans already operating in the Fred. Olsen fleet, the Bocayna Express and Betancuria Express. When the Bañaderos Express is delivered in 2021, Fred. Olsen Express will be operating five Austal vessels, including 3 trimarans.”
During sea trials, Bajamar Express has achieved impressive speed, seakeeping and passenger comfort results, highlighted by Austal’s new MARINELINK-Smart technology that provides real-time analysis of vessel performance, on board and remotely. With the benefit of Austal’s MOTION CONTROL System, Bajamar Express was able to reach trial speeds in excess of 44 knots (81.5km/h) whilst maintaining superior passenger comfort.
Capable of transporting 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at a cruising speed of more than 37 knots, the new trimaran ferries for Fred. Olsen Express feature class-leading interior amenities and facilities, including multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop and children’s play area.
Fred. Olsen S.A. CEO Andrés Marín said the Bajamar Express was eagerly awaited in the Canary Islands, where the ship will commence operations between Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Agaete, Gran Canaria, immediately upon arrival in August 2020.
