Austal Limited announced securing of a contract for two 41.5 metre passenger/cargo catamarans for ferry operator Ofotens og Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskad ASA (OVDS) of Norway. The two new aluminium catamarans will be built by Austal subsidiary, Image Marine and are due for delivery at the end of April 2003. This contract adds to the 39 metre live-aboard catamaran currently under construction at Image Marine for operation in the Maldives, and follows closely the delivery of two 37 metre river catamarans for a Portuguese operator.

The two 41.5 metre catamarans, with an operating speed of approximately 34 knots, will have the capacity to carry 216 passengers and 12 tonnes of refrigerated cargo and will feature a functional, commercial interior outfit. Austal’s Managing Director, Mr. Bob McKinnon said the contract was won in very competitive circumstances, including competition from local Norwegian shipyards. “This is the second contract for a Norwegian client by the Austal group and is the result of a concerted team effort by Image and Austal sales and design staff,” Mr. McKinnon said. With the large vehicle/passenger ferry market still not as buoyant as we would like, it is very pleasing to continue to win orders across our product portfolio.”