Austal will build its largest catamaran to date following an order from Denmark’s Nordic Ferry Services for the design and construction of a 113 metre high speed vehicle-passenger ferry. Designed to carry 1400 passengers and 357 cars, the vessel will be among the world’s top 10 high speed ferries in terms of capacity and will surpass the landmark 127 metre trimaran ferry “Benchijigua Express” to boast the highest vehicle-passenger capacity of any Austal-built vessel.

With Danish environmental regulations for fast ferries among the most stringent in the world, Austal’s design is required to comply with legislation covering environmental noise, wave-wash and exhaust emissions. The design also minimises the need for alterations to the route’s existing port infrastructure, enabling both the 113 m catamaran and the 86 m “Villum Clausen” to operate in the summer season using the same vehicle and passenger ramps.

Three car decks accessible via both bow and stern ramps will ensure the efficient transfer of the catamaran’s large vehicle capacity. Passenger seating is situated across two levels, with lounge-style facilities situated on the vessel’s bridge deck and accessible via a large staircase. The vessel will be powered by four diesel engines and will be built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to International Maritime Organisation HSC Codes.