Australia: Vale’s Manager Visits Austal’s Shipyard to View Progress on 41m High Speed Ferry

Construction is progressing rapidly on a 41m high speed aluminium passenger ferry for the New Caledonian operations of global mining company Vale, at Austal’s Henderson shipyard. Due for delivery in May 2012, the vessel is designed to provide new levels of speed and comfort to members of the company’s 1,000 strong workforce as they commute between Noumea and the Goro mine site’s Prony Port.

The high speed catamaran will have the capacity to carry up to 439 passengers at 37.5 knots with journey time expected to be less than an hour each way.

Austal previously announced this contract to the Australian Stock Exchange on June 9, 2011, but could not disclose Vale as the client at that time.

Vale New Caledonia’s Maritime Section Manager, Olivier Rousseau, visited Austal recently to view the progress of the vessel, which is expected to launch in early 2012. “It is exciting to see the rate at which the aluminium fabrication and outfitting of the vessel is progressing, and we are looking forward to taking delivery of this catamaran in mid-2012,” said Mr Rousseau. “We have worked very closely with the Austal team throughout this project, and we are confident that this vessel was designed in line with all of our quality, technical and operational requirements.”

Austal Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, commented that the company has enjoyed working with Vale on what will be Austal’s fourth vessel delivery to New Caledonia. “In terms of safety, performance and practicality, the Vale vessel will deliver improved levels of maritime transportation while providing an important service to one of the region’s largest nickel mines,” said Mr Bellamy.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, November 18, 2011; Image: Austal