Austal celebrates Virtu Ferry order

by Austal on 7 Apr 2009 WA-based Austal has received its second large vehicle ferry order within a week after being selected by leading Maltese operator Virtu Ferries to design and build a 107 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran.

The order follows last week’s announcement of a contract with Denmark’s Nordic Ferry Services to build Austal’s largest ever catamaran - emphasising the company’s position at the forefront of high speed vessel design and construction.

The Virtu Ferries’ vessel will be built by Austal’s Western Australian workforce and is scheduled for delivery by mid 2010.

Intended for operation between Malta and Italy, the vessel will join Virtu Ferries’ existing 68 metre vehicle ferry “Maria Dolores” which was delivered by Austal in 2006.

A number of high speed ferry builders, including Austal, were invited by Virtu Ferries to submit vessel options that would enable it to further expand its ferry service to Italy. Through continual communication with the client, Austal was able to utilise its in-house design team and experience to develop a highly customised vessel design that met all Virtu’s requirements for the route.

Austal Managing Director Bob Browning said the company’s ability and willingness to customise vessel design and functionality was an important factor in providing the optimum solution for Virtu Ferries.

“Again, we are very pleased to add another leading commercial operator and existing Austal client to our growing list of repeat customers and we look forward to this vessel facilitating an important transportation service in the Mediterranean,” Mr Browning said.

“Similar to the recent Nordic Ferry Services order, Austal was able to draw on its in-house design capability and experience from more than 20-years of commercial ferry manufacture to offer a solution suited to the proposed operation,” he said.

Mr Browning said the staggered delivery of the two large vehicle ferries announced this month would ensure a smooth, ongoing workload for Austal’s Western Australian facilities over the next few years.

Virtu Fast Ferries Ltd Managing Director Francis Portelli said the Austal Auto Express 107 would facilitate the increased heavy cargo traffic between Malta and Sicily.

'Following a long and rigorous selection process, we found the Austal 107 to be the best vessel for the route due to her versatility, speed and all round efficiency, as well as being tailor-made for the route's requirements,' Mr Portelli said.

Designed to carry 800 passengers and 230 cars at a speed of approximately 39 knots, the vessel will be Austal’s 24th commercial delivery to operators in the Mediterranean region, which includes 14 large vehicle-passenger ferries.
Austal Director – Global Sales and Marketing, Andrew Bellamy, said the vehicle ferry's larger capacity was designed specifically to complement Virtu Ferries’ existing Austal catamaran.

“This vessel will assist Virtu in providing a year round scheduled service for Maltese industry while also meeting the increased passenger demand generated from Malta joining the EU in 2004,” Mr Bellamy said.

“Austal’s brand of customised high speed, high capacity vehicle ferries continue to find favour in the Mediterranean among operators seeking transportation solutions that connect the region’s population and industry,” he said.
Powering the vessel are four MTU 20V 8000 M71L diesel engines at 9,100kW each driving Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjets.

The vehicle deck has the capacity to carry up to 230 cars or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres, enabling Virtu Ferries to efficiently service the needs of private passengers with cars and campers, commercial tourist operators and trucking companies. Vehicle loading and unloading will utilise ramps installed on both the stern and port-side.

Seating for the ferry’s 800 passengers will be spread over two decks, each offering a passenger-friendly seating density of 2-3 seats per row, as well as a dedicated upper deck lounge area overlooking the vessel’s bow. A central staircase will lead to a first class seating area featuring natural overhead lighting, a separate kiosk and two VIP lounges. Outdoor seating will also be available for more than 110 passengers.

The vessel will be built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to International Maritime Organisation HSC Codes and Malta Flag State and Italian Port State Regulations. Registration will be under the Malta Flag.

Austal is currently constructing four 21 metre inshore patrol craft for the Armed Forces of Malta.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS:
Length overall: 106.5 metres
Length waterline: 92.4 metres
Beam moulded: 23.8 metres
Hull depth: 9.4 metres
Hull draft (maximum): 4.90 metres
Deadweight (maximum): 850 tonnes
Passengers 800
Crew 24
Vehicles: 230 cars
or 342 truck lane metres + 45 cars
Fuel (approx): 335,000 litres

PROPULSION:
Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V 8000 M71L 4 x 9,100 kW
Propulsion: 4 x Kamewa 125SIII waterjets
Service speed: approx 39 knots (85% MCR and active ride control)

RIDE CONTROL:
Austal Ride Control

SURVEY:
Classification: Det Norske Veritas


ABOUT VIRTU FERRIES
Virtu Ferries have been operating high speed ferries between Malta and Sicily since 1988. 'Maria Dolores' (600 passengers, 65 cars, 95 truck lane-metres) makes over 500 round trips every year between Valletta (Malta) and Pozzallo (Italy) and Catania (Italy), effectively making Malta part of mainland Europe.
Venezia Lines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Virtu Ferries, has run a six month seasonal service between Venice and eight Adriatic ports in Slovenia and Croatia since 2001. Two high speed passenger ferries are deployed on this service, with a third to be introduced this year. Another high speed vehicle-passenger ferry operates between Bari (Italy) and Durres in Albania.

More at www.austal.com