Austal’s shipbuilding operation in the Philippines has secured its fifth ferry newbuilding order in less than 12 months.
VS Ferries Corporation of Samar has awarded an AUD 5.5m ($4.3m) contract to compatriot Austal Philippines for a 30 metre cataraman.
Construction of the new ferry, with capacity to carry up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 25 knots, will start in September, with delivery due in August 2018.
“Austal’s reputation for building high speed commercial vessels, over the past 30 years, is second to none and this latest contract from VS Ferries reflects that confidence in our proven shipbuilding capabilities,” said Austal chief executive David Singleton.
“In just five years of operation, Austal Philippines has delivered 13 vessels and established a highly efficient workforce, utilising advanced, modular shipbuilding techniques developed in Australia.
“Our innovative production processes and new focus on ‘producability’ is delivering a genuine competitive advantage across our shipyards and achieving real savings for our operations and customers,” he added.
