Austal Limited announced that its subsidiaries, Austal Ships and Austal USA have each secured contracts for new vessels. The new contracts comprise an order for three 47.5m passenger catamarans for New World First Ferry of Hong Kong, with an option for a further four vessels on completion of the first three. Austal USA has signed a contract for a 34 metre dinner cruise vessel with the Island Queen Cruises of Miami, Florida.

The Hong Kong contract re-introduces Austal into the Hong Kong market with one of the largest ferry operators in the Asian Pacific region. The contract provides Austal with the opportunity to reinforce the company’s position in this market. Due for delivery in October 2002, the three passenger catamarans will have the capacity to carry 416 passengers and will operate between Hong Kong and Macau at a speed of approximately 42 knots.

For Austal USA, the dinner cruise contract illustrates the broad product base offered by the US shipyard and will assist in establishing Austal USA as a premier supplier of aluminum vessels in the US. The new order increases Austal USA’s production to four vessels, adding to the two 150ft crew-supply vessels and the 82ft passenger catamaran currently under construction. Due for delivery in November 2002, the dinner cruise catamaran will operate in the Miami and Biscayne Bay area, offering a variety of charter options.