Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract to construct a 32-metre catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries, based in Hillarys, Western Australia.

Collaborating with vessel designer Incat Crowther, Austal will commence construction of the aluminium catamaran at the company’s Philippines shipyard in the first quarter of CY2024.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new contract continues a long and successful association between Austal and Australian-based designer Incat Crowther that has delivered multiple vessels over several decades.

“Austal and Incat Crowther have been successfully working together to deliver commercial vessels for over 20 years, including multiple ferries and crew transfer vessels for customers throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” Mr Gregg said.

“We’re delighted to be working with Incat Crowther again, on this exciting new catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries; locally owned and operated from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth, Western Australia.

“The Austal team look forward to delivering an outstanding new vessel for Rottnest Fast Ferries that will offer an exceptional experience for passengers and a reliable and efficient vessel for the operators.”

The 32 metre aluminium catamaran will have a capacity for up to 400 passengers and 5 crew seated over 3 decks, and extensive cargo space available for passenger’s bicycles and baggage securely stored on 2 decks. With 2 x 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, the vessel will have an operating speed of up to 25 knots on the 45 minute journey from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island.