Issue 2 1999 - Austal Ships

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