Issue 2 1999 - Austal Ships

AUSTAL GROUPNEWSTHE NEWSLETTER OF AUSTAL LIMITED NO. 2 1999joins the Austal GroupAustal ispleased toannounce theacquisition of renownedluxury motor yacht builder,Oceanfast. Under its new ownership,the Oceanfast name has beenretained and the company continuesto operate as a separate entity.The acquisition affirms Austal’sposition as one of the most significantshipbuilding groups in the world.Austal’s Chairman and ManagingDirector, John Rothwell, said he wasextremely pleased with the additionof such a quality company to theAustal group.“Oceanfast is an exceptional builderof luxury motor yachts having craftedsome of the most outstanding vesselsof their kind in the world today.Backed with Austal’s financialstrength, depth of resources andproduction skills, the new Oceanfastwill bring to the discerning customeran unparalleled product and service,”said Mr Rothwell.Since 1983 Oceanfast has producedaround 14 of the finest and mostdistinctive (and awarded) motoryachts in the world, including the50 metre “Thunder” (picturedabove). An exciting new projectcurrently underway is a 55 metresemi-displacement yacht ofaluminium and compositeconstruction.The core of Oceanfast’sexperienced and skilled personnelwill continue to be a leading force inyachting innovation and advancedconstruction techniques. Notably,David McQueen, with over 22 yearsexperience in yacht managementand construction (12 with Oceanfast)has been appointed as GeneralManager whilst Richard Williamsheads the marketing and sales team.Oceanfast’s specialist capabilitiesand exceptional finishing skills willbe complemented with Austal’ssubstantial design and productionresources. The Oceanfast customerwill also benefit from Austal’sworldwide network of customer andproduct support bases, whichincludes a European Service Officededicated to customer operations.Both Richard Williams and DavidMcQueen will be present at theMonaco Yacht Show, 22-25September 1999 and at the Ft.Lauderdale International Boat Show,28 October - 1 November 1999.Pictured alongside a 55 metre Oceanfastmotor yacht (Left to Right): Chris NormanMarketing Director - Austal; RichardWilliams, Marketing Manager - Oceanfast;John Rothwell, Chairman/ManagingDirector - Austal; David McQueen, GeneralManager - Oceanfast; Bob McKinnon,General Manager/Director - AustalAUSTALGroup News➤ Austal acquires luxury motoryacht builder, Oceanfast➤ North Sea operation for “Cat No.1”➤ Island cruising with “Geka 2000”➤ Minoan Flying Dolphins order 3Auto Express Ferries➤ Auto Express 86 for Venezuela’sConferry➤ Australian Customs Service set totake delivery of next 2 Patrol Boats➤ Postcard from Austal’s EuroService Office

SEAKEEPING & PERFORMANCE“Cat No.1’s” winning combinationWith its striking red livery anda service speed of 40 knots,“Cat No.1”, a 52 metre highspeed passenger catamaran, has madean impressive debut in the GermanBight for AG Reederei Norden-Frisia.Seakeeping was extremely important toNorden-Frisia and was the primeconsideration in the vessel’s design toensure a smooth operation in its NorthSea conditions where it will experiencesignificant wave heights of up to 2.5metres and Beaufort Force 7 winds.In addition to Austal’s well provenrounded-bilge and bulbous-bowsemiswath hull form, a unique featureof the aluminium catamaran is itsmiddle bow hull form which onlycomes into effect in seas greater than2.0 metres.At the commissioningceremony at Austal’s WesternAustralian shipyard prior tothe vessel’s delivery toGermany, Chairman of AGReederei Norden-Frisia, Dr.Carl Ulfert Stegmann, praisedthe vessel’s performance andits seakeeping qualities.“Seakeeping was our toppriority and this vessel wasdesigned with that principlein mind. We are pleased toCelebrating “Cat No.1's”commissioning: Left to Right: GlennWilliams - Austal's Manager of Sales& Product Development, Dr. CarlUlfert Stegmann - Chairman ofNorden-Frisia, and Bob McKinnon -General Manager/Director of Austal.PRINCIPAL DATA - AUSTAL 52"CAT NO.1"Length Overall . . . . . . . . 52.4 metresLength Waterline . . . . . . 45.4 metresBeam (Moulded) . . . . . . . 13.0 metresHull Draft . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 metresPassengers. . . . . . . . . . . . 432PropulsionMain Engines. . . . . . . . . . 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2320kW@2000rpmGearboxes . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x Reintjes VLJ 930Waterjets. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x KaMeWa 71 S11Service Speed . . . . . . . . . 40 knots (100% MCR, 50t DWT)Classification. . . . . . . . . . Germanischer Lloydsay that it performed even better thanexpected during seakeeping trials andwith the added speed performance,we are extremely confident that “CatNo.1” will be a huge success for ourcompany and indeed our customers,”said Dr Stegmann.To enhance passenger comfort, theAustal “Ocean Leveller” Ride Controlsystem, featuring foils forward andinterceptors aft, has been fitted. Theforward foils are mounted flush with thekeel of the catamaran such that the foilsdo not increase the hull draft. Themaximum draft required for “Cat No.1’s”shallow area of operation is 1.5 metres.The OperationWith its homebase on the island ofNorderney off the North Germancoast, the 52 metre catamaranoperates day trip services tovarious destinations in theGerman Bight, with the maindestination to the scenic,duty-free island of Helgoland,a distance of 42 nauticalmiles from Norderney.In addition, there will be aregular service to Helgolandseveral times a week startingfrom the harbour of Cuxhaven,with other ports of callincluding the islands of Borkum,Langeoog, Amrum and Sylt.Page 2

MINOAN FLYING DOLPHINSORDER 3 AUTO EXPRESS FERRIESAustal Ships is pleased to confirmit has won a prestigious order tobuild three Auto Express highspeed vehicle-passenger catamaransfor Greek company, Minoan FlyingDolphins Maritime.Minoan Flying DolphinsMaritime are one of thestrongest ferry operatinggroups in the region andalready operate Austal’sfirst vessel delivered tothis market, the 48 metrehigh speed passengercatamaran, “Flying Dolphin2000”, which commencedservice in 1998.The three new vessels, two72 metre and one 92metre Auto Express ferries,will be deployed on routesin the Greek Cyclades andSporades and will be readyfor delivery to commence service forthe summer season 2000 (April andJune 2000). The current journey timefrom Piraeus to Santorini aboard thenew Auto Express 92 will be halved tojust three hours and 15 minutes.“We are exceptionally pleased to havewon this very significant contractwhich was once again won over stronginternational competition. Austal’s newgeneration of 72 and 92 metre AutoExpress designs were developed inconsultation with the customer toprovide the best solution for theiroperational requirements,” said Austal’sMarketing Director, Chris Norman.About Minoan Flying DolphinsMinoan Flying Dolphins was formed in 1998 as a result of a merger betweenCeres Hydrofoil Joint Service, Minoan Lines Highspeed Ferries and MinoanLines. It currently operates a fleet of 33 high speed vessels and covers a largenetwork of destinations, calling at 62 Greek ports. During 1998, 2.35 millionpassengers travelled aboard the Minoan Flying Dolphins fleet.The 92 metre design, with just a sixmetre increase in overall length overthe Auto Express 86 design, willprovide an increased carrying capacityof some 70 tonnes (470 t dwt) orapproximately 20%.Announcing the contract in Athens,Minoan Flying Dolphins ManagingDirector, Mr Nick Vikatos said,“Austal’s ability to fully customiseprojects and meet our deliverydeadline, in addition to our very goodrelationship formed through thedelivery and operational reliability ofthe “Flying Dolphin 2000” were majorreasons for their success in winningthis contract.”“These new vessels featurethe most advancedtechnology and willdouble Minoan FlyingDolphins present capacityin the Sporades andstrengthen our position inthe Cyclades,” said MrVikatos.The new vessels will havemaximum speeds of 45knots and will havesubstantial payloads. The92 metre design hascapacities for up to 1050passengers and 188 carswhilst the 72 metre designs will carry620 passengers and 70 cars.The vessels are expected to bedeployed on the following routes:1. Auto Express 92: Piraeus - Sifnos -Santorini (Cyclades)2. Auto Express 72: Syros - Myconos -Paros - Naxos (Cyclades)3. Auto Express 72: Salonica - Volos -Agios Constantinos (Sporades)AUTO EXPRESS 92 - PRINCIPAL DATAOverall Length . . . . 92.0 metresBeam . . . . . . . . . . . 24.0 metresPassengers. . . . . . . . 1050 in three classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (200 VIP, 196 Business, 654 Tourist)Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Propulsion. . . . . . . . 4 x Caterpillar 3618Service Speed . . . . . 42 knotsA total outfitted area of 2250 square metres will bedevoted to 1050 passengers and support services, withthe accommodation to be of a very high standard.Features will include seating with individual audiosystems, a satellite TV network and cinema, four bars, ashopping area, children’s play area and dedicatedluggage spaces.AUTO EXPRESS 72 - PRINCIPAL DATAOverall Length . . . . 72.0 metresBeam . . . . . . . . . . . 17.5 metresPassengers. . . . . . . . 620 in three classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (80 VIP, 118 Business, 422 Tourist)Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Propulsion. . . . . . . . 4 x MTU 16V 595 TE70LService Speed . . . . . 42 knotsThe 72 metre version will include 1250 square metresdevoted to 620 passengers and support services and willbe outfitted to an equally luxurious standard.All vessels will feature the Austal Ocean Leveller ridecontrol system for optimal passenger comfort.Page 3

“Carmen Ernestina”joins Conferry’s Margarita ExpressAuto Express 86for VenezuelaFollowing a 12,760 nautical miledelivery voyage, Austal’s latestAuto Express vehicle-passengercatamaran, the 86 metre “CarmenErnestina”, has entered service forVenezuelan Company, Conferry.As financial approval was notin place prior to the vessel’sdeparture deadline (required toensure scheduled servicecommencement), Austal wasable to arrange a short termcharter to both the customer’sand Austal’s satisfaction thatallowed the customer moretime to seek suitable finance forthe purchase, whilst alsoenabling immediate schedulingcommitments to be met.Conferry is Venezuela’s largestferry operator with 40 yearsexperience and after chartering alarge car ferry from a Europeanoperator to service theiroperations in previous years,chose to upgrade their servicewith the Austal Auto Expressdesign. In addition to ferryservices, Conferry also has interests inhotel and medical centre operations.“Carmen Ernestina” will joinConferry’s Margarita Express servicebetween Puerto La Cruz on mainlandVenezuela and Punta De Piedras onMargarita Island, a popular duty-freeCONFERRYPRINCIPAL DATA - AUTO EXPRESS 86"CARMEN ERNESTINA"Length Overall . . . . . . . . 86.6metresLength Waterline . . . . . . 74.2 metresBeam (Moulded). . . . . . . 24.0 metresHull Draft. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 metresPassengers . . . . . . . . . . . . 800Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 cars,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or 10 buses and 125 carsMaximum deadweight . . . 400 tonnesPropulsionMain Engines . . . . . . . . . . 4 x Caterpillar 3618. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7200kW @1050rpmGearboxes . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x ReintjesWaterjets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x KaMeWaSpeed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 knots (400 t dwt @ 90%)Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germanischer Lloydisland holiday destination. The servicewill also be extended to La Guaira(near Caracas) and Punta De Piedras inthe near future. Additionally, Conferryprovides ferry services betweenMargarita and Cumina on themainland, and Margarita and the smallisland of Coche.The high quality andcomfortable interior wasdeveloped by Austal’s in-housedesign group and a totaloutfitted area of 2050 squaremetres is devoted to the 800passengers and support services.“Carmen Ernestina” is the 12thof Austal’s Auto Express range ofhigh speed vehicle-passengercatamarans to be commissionedsince 1995. Its arrival intoVenezuela represents Austal’sfirst delivery of this type of craftinto the South American market.As part of Austal’s ProductSupport Programme, an AustalService Engineer was on hand toprovide any assistance requiredduring service introduction.Page 4

Island Cruising with“Geka 2000”GENERAL ARRANGEMENT“GEKA 2000”PROFILEPROMENADE DECK44 metre cruise catamaranfor IndonesiaUPPER DECKMAIN DECKGeka “2000”, a stylish 44 metre catamaran, wasdesigned to offer a unique combination of threeoperational features including high speedpassenger transport, day cruise operations and nightentertainment cruises. This Austal designed vessel is thelatest completion by Image Marine and was built for BountyCruises of Bali, Indonesia.Chairman of Bounty Cruises, Mr Gde Wiratha, said “Geka2000” is a new concept harmoniously incorporating a muchneeded quality passenger service in addition to providingwhat will be the best cruise operation in the region. Withthe proximity of Austal’s support we are very confidentabout the success of our new operation”.With a speed of 30 knots, “Geka 2000”, provides dailytransport services between Bali’s Benoa Harbour andLombok in a journey time of around 2 1 /2 hours. Then, froma private jetty in Malimbu Senggigi (Lombok) the vesseldeparts for its day cruise excursions to the tropical islanddestination of Gili Meno, located off the north west coast ofLombok and known worldwide as one of the best locationsfor snorkelling and scuba diving. A complete watersportspackage provided includes a glass bottom boat, jet skis andtransfer boat. The vessel then returns to Benoa Harbour viaMalimbu Senggigi.The well appointed and customised fitout also includes anarea convertible to a dance floor on the main deck forevening cruise entertainment. The catamaran, painted in abright golden colour, accommodates the 504 passengerscomfortably over three decks: open promenade deck (94seats), upper deck internal (88), upper deck external (50),and 272 seats on the main deck. Private VIP rooms arelocated immediately aft of the wheelhouse and aft of theupper deck passenger saloon.Two more“Bay Class”Patrol Boatsready forServiceProduction of the Bay Class seriesvessels, designed and customisedfor the requirements of theAustralian Customs Service NationalMarine Fleet, continues to schedule.The first in the series of eight,“Roebuck Bay”, was deployed inFebruary with the next two,“Holdfast Bay” and “Botany Bay” tofollow in August. Tasks commonlyperformed by these sophisticatedcraft include:• Surveillance• Intelligence/Information Gathering• Search and Rescue• Protection of Territorial WatersVarious armament configurationscan be readily applied to vesselssuch as the Bay Class craft, toenhance defence capability.Page 5

Well, it’s summer here in Europewhich is probably the busiest time for our 16 or so vesselscurrently operating in this region. All operators are reportinggood passenger and vehicle numbers and I am happy to saythat, overall, very few sailings have been missed or cancelleddue to technical problems. When you consider that these shipsare running 18-20 hours per day, 7 days per week,leaving little or no time for maintenance or repairs, it's nothard to see why our fleet continues to grow.Some operators are reporting payloads in excess of2,000 passengers and 1,000 vehicles per day whilstothers are quoting figures in excess of 300,000 peryear. There are also a few operators that believe, sinceintroducing their new Austal built vessel, they have actuallytaken passengers away from rival companies operating otherhigh speed craft!Regards, Darren EdwardsPostcardsfrom1999AustalShipsPostcardfrom theEuro ServiceOfficeDarren Edwards is Austal's European Service Engineer and is based in Trelleborg, Sweden. The European Service Officewas established in 1996 to provide the best possible product support to Austal's customers throughout the region.AUSTAL SHIPS100 Clarence Beach Road,Henderson,Western Australia 6166Telephone: (61 8) 9410 1111Facsimile: (61 8) 9410 2564Email:marketing@austal-ships.com.auWebsite:www.austal-ships.com.auan Austal group company16 Clarence Beach Road,Henderson,Western Australia 6166Telephone: (61 8) 9437 3333Facsimile: (61 8) 9437 3344The Auto Express 86 “Jonathan Swift” is pictured here in Piraeus, Greece,en-route to its new home port of Dublin, Ireland, April 1999E-mail:sales@imageboats.com.auWebsite:www.imageboats.com.auTallink introduceAuto Express 79 onTallinn - Helsinki RoutePhoto courtesy of Andrew JeffsKeeping track of the Austal family....“Catlink III” is now “Tallink AutoExpress”and has been redeployed from theKattegat to the Baltic.Estonian ferry operator, Tallink, recentlyacquired “Catlink III”, the Auto Express 79that had been originally delivered toDanish fast ferry operator, Catlink, in1996. The new look “Tallink AutoExpress”has since entered service on the routefrom the Estonian capital of Tallinn toHelsinki, Finland completing the journeyin 1 hour and 40 minutes.Austal’s chairman and foundingdirector, John Rothwell, was recentlynamed the Western Australian Citizenof the Year for his contributions to thefield of Commerce and Industry.The award was one of nine citizenawards presented by the Governor,Major-General Michael Jeffery, at theannual ceremony that recognisesindividual’s endeavours for theadvancement of the people and thestate of Western Australia.Page 6CITIZENAWARDHONOURfor Austal’sFoundingDirectoran Austal group company15 Egmont Road,Henderson,Western Australia 6166Telephone: (61 8) 9410 1900Facsimile: (61 8) 9410 2095E-mail:boats@oceanfast.com.auWebsite:http://yachtworld.com/oceanfast