Austal News - Issue 1 2000 - Austal Ships

AUSTALLIMITEDAUSTAL GROUP NEWSVILLUM CLAUSENONE OF THE QUIETEST (AND FASTEST!) FERRIES EVER BUILTISSUE 1 - 2000 THE NEWSLETTER OF AUSTAL LIMITEDWith a maximum speed of 50 knots, amagnificent interior design and a host ofenvironmentally conscious solutions, theAustal Auto Express 86 - "Villum Clausen"is set to make its much anticipated debutfor the people of Bornholm, Denmark.She is also the first large vehicle-passengerfast ferry to be built outside of Europe tofeature gas turbine propulsion and thefastest in the world with the ability to carryin excess of 100 cars.With 36,000 kW of power (2 x GELM2500 turbines) and a maximumdeadweight of around 500 tonnes, the 86metre vehicle-passenger catamaran willoperate between Ronne on the Danishisland of Bornholm and Ystad in the SouthContinued page 2AUSTAL IN THE USAWith a newly established joint venture,Austal USA, Austal will soon be ready tobuild for domestic operations in the USA,a market from which foreign shipbuildersare excluded.After extensive investigation of the USShipbuilding industry, Austal's Chairman,John Rothwell, said he was pleased toconfirm that Bender Shipbuilding & RepairCo Inc of Alabama, a leading and highly"VILLUM CLAUSEN" BREAKS 24 HOUR DISTANCE RECORD"Villum Clausen" has written its name intothe record books, breaking the recordfor the longest distance travelled by acommercial passenger vessel in 24 hours.En-route to Denmark, the 86 metre gasturbine powered ferry covered a distanceof 1063 nautical miles in a 24 hour period,adding another 45 nautical miles to theprevious record. The record breakingjourney took place on the passagebetween Sumatra and Cochin, India,during the fast ferry's delivery voyage fromAustal's Western Australian shipyard.The average speed on the run was 44.29knots.professional domestic shipyard, wouldpartner Austal in the USA. The majorityequity will be held by Austal."With Austal's leading-edge technology,and world leadership in the design andproduction of high performancealuminium vessels, coupled to Bender'scomprehensive capabilities and domesticknowledge, we will revolutionize lightweight, high speed shipbuilding in theUSA," said Mr Rothwell.Continued page 2The ship's captain, Claus Kristensen, saidthe record attempt started on 16 Februaryat 2300 LT north of Sumatra when "VillumClausen" overtook the Danish containervessel "Marstal Maersk", who noted theship's speed and position in their ship'slog as the official start of the attempt, andfinished 24 hours later at 2300LT on 17February, south west of Cochin when shepassed the Liberian vessel "Toba"."After 23 hours "Villum Clausen" coveredthe distance of 1018.2 nm, which is thedistance of the previous record, held bythe Danish fast ferry "Cat-Link V", whichwon the Blue Riband of the Atlantic on the20th of July 1998," said Captain Kristensen.AUSTAL NEWS ISSUE 1 - 20001 • VILLUM CLAUSEN - ONE OF THEQUIETEST FAST FERRIES EVER BUILT• AUSTAL USA 3 • OCEANFASTAWARDED • CRUISING IN THEFRENCH CARIBBEAN 4 • IMAGEMARINE CUSTOM-BUILD EXPERTISE5 • 125M DESIGN INTRODUCED• POSTCARD FROM NOUMEA6 • AUSTAL BOARD APPOINTS NEWMANAGING DIRECTOR • ONPATROL - CUSTOMS DRUG HAUL

"VILLUM CLAUSEN"continued from page 1East of Sweden for the Danish Governmentoperated BornholmsTrafikken. Whilstcapable of running at 50 knots, "VillumClausen" will operate at a service speedof 41 knots thus comfortably achievingthe crossing in 65 minutes. The servicewill provide up to five return crossings perday in peak season.With the Danish environmental regulationsfor fast ferries as perhaps the most stringentin the world, Austal has paid specialattention to the key issues of environmentalnoise, wave-wash and exhaust emissions.The comprehensive Danish environmentalnoise regulations demanded special carewith any equipment that generates noise,particularly with main and auxiliary engineexhausts, bowthrusters, car deckventilation, ventilation fans for passengerdecks and other minor machinery spaces.Port location and proximity to dwellingswere also considered.This has resulted in one of the quietest fastferries ever constructed.Danish legislation also requires that fastferries when operating at their servicespeed generate a wave less than 0.35metres in 3 metres of water. With theINTERIOR DESIGNOnce aboard "Villum Clausen", thestylish interior outfit demandsattention. On this occasion, Austalworked with BornholmsTrafikken'schosen interior designer, Steen FriisDesign of Denmark, to produce acontemporary look with 'sculptured'handrails and curved bulkheadsbuilt with the typical Austal highquality workmanship.VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW SOME OF "VILLUM CLAUSEN'S" STUNNINGINTERIOR IN 3D - www.austal.com (yard-cam)efficient semi-swath hull form of the AutoExpress, Austal Ships, with the assistanceof the Danish Hydraulic Institute, has beenable to demonstrate the design's low washcharacteristics. Gas turbines were theselected power plant for the vessel for anumber of reasons, most notably, theimproved levels of Nitrous Oxide emissions.As required by Danish regulations, the vesselis fitted with a voyage data recorder to storedata from the last six months of operation.Data to be recorded includes ship's speed,heading, water depth and position.PRINCIPAL DATAAUTO EXPRESS 86 - VILLUM CLAUSENLength Overall: 86.6 metresLength Waterline: 74.2 metresBeam:24.0 metresHull draft : 3.2 metresPassengers: 1037Vehicles: 380 tonnes vehicle payload186 carsor 10 coaches, 144 cars& 15 motorcyclesPROPULSIONEngines: 2 x GE LM 2500gas turbine engines(de-rated to 18,000 kW @ 3600 rpm)Gearboxes: 2 x RenkWaterjets: 4 x Kamewa 112 SIIPERFORMANCE(with Ride Control & Bowthruster fitted)485 t dwt, 85% MCR:41 knotsAUSTAL IN THE USAcontinued from page 1"We are extremely excited about thisopportunity to bring to the American peoplethe most advanced and sophisticatedtechnology available. Of equal importancewill be the employment opportunities anoperation of this scope will provide."Tom Bender, President and grandson of thefounder of Bender Shipbuilding, said, "Iam looking forward to collaborating withour friends at Austal in building modern,high-speed aluminium vessels in Mobile.With our knowledge of the US market,experience in hiring and retaining skilledshipyard workers and expertise inpurchasing material and equipment, weexpect to contribute significantly to theventure. Our new high-tech laser cutter -the first of its kind in a US shipyard - shouldhelp Austal USA achieve sizeable costsavings in building these ships."It is expected that the full product rangewill be built at the Mobile, Alabamashipyard. Austal has substantial growth2ambitions not only to capture a significantshare of the passenger ferry market with itssophisticated technology, but is also seekingopportunities to supply to US Defence.Site construction on the first stage of thedevelopment will commence as soon asthe required approvals are received.Recruitment and training initiatives arealready well underwayCurrently the coastwise trade laws in theUSA (primarily the Jones Act and thePassenger Vessel Services Act) prohibitforeign built vessels from operating onU.S.AHoustonGULF OF MEXICOMexico CityMEXICOMobileNew Orleansdomestic routes in the USA. Over 3600vessels are active in the US passengervessel industry and they carry nearly 200million passengers each year.ABOUT OUR NEW PARTNERBender Shipbuilding & Repair Co IncBender has been in operation for over75 years and is well established as oneof America's leading and most reputablebuilders of high quality, small conventionalships and workboats, in addition tocomprehensive repair activities.Bender's substantial ship repair facility islocated on the central Gulf of Mexicowith facilities including 7,000 feet of deepwater frontage, new yards and wet docksand expanded dry docks to raise liftingcapacities to more than 24,000 tons.Bender has constructed over 300 shipsincluding passenger vessels andriverboats, offshore supply vessels, pushboats, shrimp boats, crabbers, factorytrawlers, tuna seiners and tug boats.www.bendership.com

OCEANFAST SCOOPS INTERNATIONAL YACHT DESIGN AWARDS"Thunder from Down-under"Interior", for the 50 metre luxurymotor yacht, "Thunder".BEST★✯POWER43M+WINNERB E STI NT E RIO R✯★Oceanfast recently received two ofthe world's most prestigious motoryacht design awards, scooping theaward pool at the InternationalSuperyacht Society Awards, FortLauderdale USA.Judged by industry, the InternationalSuperyacht Society Awardsincluded the coveted "Best OverallPowered by twin diesels and a gasturbine engine, "Thunder" receivedthe Superyacht Society Award "BestPower 43m+", being the best motoryacht greater than 43 metres inlength. These awards are stronglycontested internationally and placesOceanfast amongst the world's bestbuilders of these extraordinary craft.In Fort Lauderdale to accept theawards, Chairman, John Rothwell,said the awards were testament tothe skills and dedication ofOceanfast's talented workforce.A proudOceanfast team:Richard Williams- Manager Sales& Marketing,Geoff Cribb -USARepresentativeand DavidMcQueen -GeneralManagerABOUT "THUNDER""Thunder" was built to exacting requirementsto meet her European owner's wishes for ahigh-performance yacht capable of making40 knots whilst also providing a calm andluxurious environment. Designed by leadingyacht designer, Jon Bannenberg, a tour ofthe yacht's interior reveals the uncompromisingquality craftsmanship that Oceanfast isrenowned for. Matisse inspired artwork isfound throughout "Thunder", etched into glassdoors, woven into cushions and upholstery -even on a matched pair of reclining chairs inthe owner's study - and appearing on thewalls in framed lithographs. The stunninginteriors of the 50 metre motor yachtaccommodate ten guests with their everydesire catered for by eight crew.CRUISING IN THEFRENCH CARIBBEANCruising from the island of St Martin andoperating at full or near capacity, the recentlydelivered 60 metre cruise vessel "Rivage StMartin" has launched into the new year and itsnew operation a resounding success.Austal is leading the development of theboutique, or 'pocket cruise' ship sector,recognising the growing need for a cruiseproduct which sits between the cruise ship andthe luxury charter yacht. Such a cruise shouldoffer many of the benefits of the luxury charteryacht, such as exclusivity, but at a price percabin which is much closer to that of thetraditional cruise ship.3On this principal, "Rivage St Martin" wasdeveloped to satisfy the specific requirementsof cruise operator, Rivages Croisieres' FrenchCaribbean operation. The vessel is unique inthat it is constructed entirely of aluminium,contains passenger-in-berth accommodationand is fully compliant with SOLAS regulations.

BATUPLOWERDECKACCESSLIFERAFT-W-EPIRBLIFERAFT-W-EPIRBLKRLKRCOMMUNICATIONSHATCHIMAGE MARINE'S CUSTOM-BUILD EXPERTISE...from police boats to luxury cruisers!Nine new generation police boats forthe New South Wales Water PoliceService are scheduled to make theirdebut in time for the Sydney Olympics.POLICEWPV21POLICEWPV11With construction now well under wayat Image Marine, the contractcomprises two 22 metre vessels andseven 16 metre vessels. The newaluminium police boats will replacemany of the existing vessels in thePolice fleet and will significantlyenhance water policing capabilitiesand marine search and rescue alongNSW's coast and 200 nautical milesout to sea (to the edge of the ExclusiveEconomic Zone). The 16 metre vesselsare expected to be based in CoffsHarbour, Port Stephens, Newcastle,Broken Bay, Sydney, Sans Souci andPort Kembla, with the two 22 metremonohulls joining the 16 metre vesselsin Coffs Harbour and Sydney.PRINCIPAL DATA16 M POLICE BOATLength Overall:16.0 mBeam: 4.90 mDraft: 1.20 mSpeed: 28.5 knotsRange: 400 nm @ 18 knotsCrew: 4PROPULSIONEngine:Gearbox:Propellers:2 x Scania DI 12 43M2 x Twin Disc Mg 5114a2 x TeignbridgeAquaquad/quinPRINCIPAL DATA22 M POLICE BOATLength Overall: 22.0 mBeam: 5.50 mDraft: 1.50 mSpeed: 28.5 knotsRange: 600 nm @ 18 knotsCrew: 6PROPULSIONEngine: 2 x MAN D2842 LE408Gearbox: 2 x ZF BW155Propellers: 2 x TeignbridgeAquaquad/quinDesigned by Image Marine's in-housedesign team, the vessels are ideallysuited to the requirements of the NSWWater Police.They are an example of good workingplatforms, are durable and flexible intheir operation and demonstrateexcellent seakeeping qualities.With an operational speed ofapproximately 28.5 knots, the vesselswill combat marine criminal activities,undertake general policing duties andwill also offer support in Sydneyduring the Olympic Games.LUXURY CRUISE CATAMARAN FOR PRIVATE OPERATIONapproximately 20 knots, it will be based in Singapore and usedfor cruising to destinations such as the Philippines and Indonesia.Image Marine is pleased to announce a new contract to build a36 metre luxury cruise catamaran, scheduled for delivery inOctober 2000.Image has a comprehensive background in supplying high qualitycustomised vessels to the luxury live-aboard and cruise operationsector, however, this new vessel will be used exclusively forprivate purposes and not for commercial operation.The vessel has been designed to carry fourteen guestsaccommodated in eight cabins. The spacious master suite, locatedon the upper deck, will feature a king size bed, lounge and fullyequipped entertainment area, exercise area, walk-in-wardrobeand ensuite with bath and sauna. The suite also features full-lengthwindows on both sides of the room to optimise views.Watersports entertainment will be well catered for with theprovision of two jet skis and two rigid inflatable vessels that canbe launched off a stern ramp. Dive compressor and dive tankstorage areas will be located aft on the main deck.This contract reinforces Image's leading position in this sector.The vessel will be of aluminium construction with a stylish profileand well-appointed accommodation. With a cruising speed of4

AUSTAL INTRODUCES 125 METRE DESIGNAustal's Design Team have released details of theAuto Express 125. This exciting 125 metre designwill bring to the market a ro/pax ship with theability to carry 1200 tonnes deadweight at speedsin excess of 40 knots.Austal's success is founded on the ability to customisea vessel to meet the needs and requirements ofthe operator. The catamaran platform utilised inthe Auto Express design offers great flexibility andon this basis, the Auto Express 125 is designed toboth stimulate and guide the potential ownerand/or operator to the complete solution.PROFILEThat solution may be a mix of passengers, vehiclesand commercial vehicles, or a true fast freightapplication for high speed transport of seacontainers, trucks, trailers, pallets or even customisedlight-weight containers.BRIDGE DECKPRINCIPAL DATAAUTO EXPRESS 125Length Overall: 125 metresLength Waterline: 106 metresBeam:31.7 metresHull draft : 4.9 metresPassengers: 1300Vehicles: 406 carsor 24 coaches, 206 carsPROPULSIONEngines: 2 x gas turbines @22 MW each,44 MW totalor 4 x diesel @8.2 MW each,32.8 MW totalPERFORMANCE (with Ride Control fitted)Gas Turbine 1200 t dwt,100% MCR,40.5 knotsDiesel 1200 t dwt, 100% MCR36 knotsUPPER DECKMEZZANINE DECKMAIN DECKPOSTCARD FROM NOUMEAThe 52 metre passenger catamaran "Betico"commenced service in November 1999 for theProvincial Government of the Loyalty Islands of NewCaledonia, providing an essential link from thecapital Noumea.Freight Capacity - a special feature of "Betico" - isprovided by the storage space located aft of themain deck. This area is suitable for 10 baggagecrates, four of which are refrigerated for the storageof perishable goods. Each crate has a weightcapacity of 2.0 tonnes with external dimensions of1500mm x 1500mm x 1500mm.5"Betico" is also equipped with a custom designedcargo handling system, allowing the vessel to becompletely independent of shore facilities and thusenhancing its suitability to an island commuter service.

ON PATROLDelivery program of the Bay Class PatrolBoats for the Australian Customs Servicecontinues to schedule. The most recentdeliveries, "Corio Bay" and "Hervey Bay",are pictured at right with the "RoebuckBay", already one year into active service.The remaining vessels (Hulls 136, 137and 138) will be delivered in August2000, completing the eight vessel contract.CUSTOMS PATROL BOAT ASSISTSWITH RECORD COCAINE BUSTIn early February, the Australian CustomsService and the Australian Federal Policewere jointly involved in the country'slargest ever cocaine bust. "Holdfast Bay",delivered to Customs in November 1999played an integral role.Australia's Minister for Justice and Customs,Senator Amanda Vanstone said, "After along term intelligence-driven AustralianFederal Police operation, AFP agents andCustoms officers intercepted what isestimated to be about 500kg of cocaine.""Special mention should be made of therole played by the crew of the Customsvessel "Holdfast Bay" and the officerscrewing the Customs Tactical ResponseVessels.The response vessels, and a high-speedtender from the "Holdfast Bay", deliveredfederal agents to the suspect vessel toenable the arrests to take place. Thiscomponent of the operation was extremelydangerous and I wish to pay tribute tothe great work done by the men andwomen of the Customs marine crews andthe federal agents. The "Holdfast Bay"is one of eight new Customs vesselsdesigned specifically to protectAustralia's borders."AUSTAL APPOINTS NEWMANAGING DIRECTORAUSTALSHIPSYou might have noticed our new logoEntering the year 2000, the opportunity was taken torelaunch the Austal corporate logo to reflect the company'sstatus as not only an award winning Australian manufacturer,listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, but also as a world leader in the realisationof our customers' needs of high performing, quality aluminium vessels.Some people see a flag, others a funnel, others a sail or even the three shipbuildingcompanies of Austal represented. Whatever you see, the name Austal is nowestablished as a world renowned brand in marine circles.The Board of Austal Limited is pleased toannounce the appointment of Bob McKinnonto the position of Managing Director.Bob joined Austal as General Manager inearly 1999 after a long career with CapralAluminium during which he held seniorpositions in finance, distribution andmanufacturing operations.Whilst relinquishing the title of ManagingDirector, founding director John Rothwell willremain Executive Chairman and willconcentrate on strategic development of theAustal Group.Year 2000 Exhibition CalendarWe look forward to the opportunity to meet with you at these exhibitionsthroughout the year.2000FEB • Pacific 2000, Sydney, 1-4 February (Austal Ships)FEB • Fast Ferry International, Nice, 8-10 February (Austal Ships)MCH • Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, Miami, 7-11 March (Austal Ships)APR • Boat & Mets Asia, Singapore, 6-9 April (Oceanfast & Image Marine)MAY • Patrol Pilot & Rescue, Singapore, 23-24 May (Image Marine)MAY • Ro-Ro 2000, Gothenburg, 23-25 May (Austal Ships)JUN • Posidonia 2000 Piraeus, 5-9 June (Austal Ships & Oceanfast)NOV • Ausmarine, Fremantle, 31 Oct - 2 Nov (Austal Ships & Image Marine)NOV • Ferries 2000, Biloxi Miss, USA, 16 -17 November (Austal USA)DEC • International Work Boat Show, New Orleans, 6-8 December (Austal USA)Austal Ships Pty Ltd100 Clarence Beach RoadHendersonWestern Australia 6166AUSTALSHIPSTel +61 8 9410 1111Fax +61 8 9410 2564Email marketing@austal.comwww.austal.coman Austal group companyOceanfast Marine Pty Ltd15 Egmont RoadHendersonWestern Australia 6166Tel +61 8 9410 1900Fax +61 8 9410 2095Email boats@oceanfast.com.auwww.oceanfast.com.au6an Austal group companyImage Marine Pty Ltd18 Clarence Beach RoadHendersonWestern Australia 6166Tel +61 8 9437 3333Fax +61 8 9437 3344Email sales@imageboats.com.auwww.imagemarine.com