Austal launches high speed vehicle-passenger ferry

by Austal media services on 8 May 2008 'Hormuz' - the second of two 65 metre high speed vehicle-passenger ferries built for the Sultanate of Oman - was launched at Austal’s Henderson shipyard.

Scheduled for delivery later this year, the two catamarans will provide a new tourism service to Oman’s rugged Musandam Peninsular and will be the flagship in the Sultanate’s expanded marine transport network.

Sister vessel 'Shinas' achieved a record service speed of 52 knots and a maximum speed of 55.9 knots (103.5 km/h) during sea trials last November, showcasing the world-class ability of the Austal design and construction team.

Once delivered, the vessels will set new standards for the Middle East region, not only in terms of performance but also with regard to safety, comfort and quality of finish.

Austal currently has 15 commercial and defence vessels operating in the Middle East, as well as 10 in nearby Turkey, reinforcing Austal’s commitment to the unique needs of the region.

As well as reaching speeds of over 50 knots, the ferries carry 208 passengers and 56 cars along an intended 180 nautical mile route. Passengers will experience unparalleled comfort across three classes - Tourist Class, First Class and VIP. High quality seating and catering facilities are all located on a single deck, with seakeeping comfort enhanced by the Austal SeaState Motion Control System.

Onboard features also include a helicopter landing facility, which will be capable of assisting in search and rescue and medivac operations.

Both vessels are powered by four MTU 20 cylinder 1163 series diesel engines each producing 6,500 kW and driving a Rolls Royce / Kamewa waterjets. The vessels are built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the International Maritime Organisation High Speed Craft code (HSC 2000).

'Shinas' is scheduled for delivery in June, with 'Hormuz' due to follow later in the year.