Austal announces the recent multiple ferry orders are for Venetian Marketing Services Limited (VMSL). This represents ten 48 metre passenger catamaran ferries awarded following a competitive international tender process.
Adding to its fleet of thirty six vessels delivered to China / Hong Kong waters Austal was able to deliver a proven solution and the best overall package. This included meeting a challenging delivery schedule for the boats to be in operation in 2007 and 2008.
With the capacity to carry 411 passengers at a service speed of 42 knots, the ferries will provide a link from Hong Kong locations to the new Pac On Ferry Terminal being built by the Macau Government to provide a service to The Cotai Strip on Macau. The Cotai Strip will incorporate a wide range of shopping, entertainment, gaming and convention activities that are currently being constructed.
When opened in 2007, The Venetian Macao will provide a fully integrated resort destination with unmatched entertainment, convention, gaming and hotel facilities. The first class resort in Macau will be supported by a first class ferry service delivering visitors and guests to their destinations on The Cotai Strip.
In conjunction with speed, comfort and outstanding interior finishes it was also imperative that the builder had a proven track record of excellence in production and achieving aggressive delivery schedules, supported by a proven level of performance to assure a reliable service could be maintained.
Commenting on the order and the impressive development projects currently under construction, Austal’s Executive Chairman, John Rothwell said; “With thirty-six Austal passenger vessels in nearby operations it is a pleasure to be once again doing business in the Hong Kong region. We look forward to these ferries providing a valuable connection service befitting what will be an extremely high quality development when completed.”
With, more than half of the world’s population, living within a five-hour flight from the enclave, Macau’s established road, air and sea transportation network is easily available to most of this region. Already, the Hong Kong to Macau passenger ferry service is the world’s largest single route in terms of passenger numbers. In the last six months of 2006, 3,962,500 passengers travelled to Macau from Hong Kong, up 6% on the same period of 2005.
The new ferries will add a dedicated transport link to supply The Cotai Strip. In addition to the 411 passengers carried by each ferry on two decks, special cranage and storage for passengers’ luggage is also included. The cabin areas include Beurteaux Club and Executive seats with leather finish accompanied by aircraft style overhead lockers to provide a carry-on baggage capacity. Combined with electronic ticketing and onboard hotel check-in, the intention is for the new ferries to provide a seamless final connection for The Cotai Strip’s guests and visitors.
Powered by four MTU 16 cylinder 4000 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce / KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system, each ferry is additionally fitted with transom mounted SeaState Interceptors providing an active high speed ride control system for maximum passenger comfort.
The vessels are being 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) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Marine Department requirements for high speed ferries.
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