austal's economical express for fred. olsen - Austal Ships

The same seating layout is repeated in the forward saloon that surrounds a central utilities blockincorporating the shop aft, crew mess in the starboard forward quarter and an electricalcompartment and stairs to the bridge on the port side. The central section of seats is againdifferentiated by using red patterned covers and faces an expanse of aft raked windows runningthe full width of the cabin and providing passengers with views over the bows.“The interiors were designed following the same fundamental patterns that were used on ourthree other catamarans, since the design has proved to be very pleasing to our passengers whileat the same time being extremely practical,” Mr Olsen said.“Bocayna Express” will operate with a crew of 16 including a three-person bridge team. Theirmodern workspace places the Captain on the centreline flanked by the Chief Engineer to portand First Officer to starboard. In a departure from normal Austal practice, but in keeping withFred. Olsen, SA’s wishes, the bridge does not have wing stations. Instead, the Captain uses theferry’s CCTV system to monitor position while berthing, controlling the ship from either themain command station or the secondary manoeuvring console which faces aft.Featured among the array of modern electronics on the carefully arranged bridge is the MarineLink ship control and monitoring system that was developed by Austal Ships and features onmost of its contemporary deliveries. This system allows extensive monitoring of machinery andsystems throughout the vessel as well as providing a powerful on-line system to manage all usermanuals as well as other ship’s drawings and documentation.The Auto Express 66 catamaran also has air conditioned crew quarters for 13. Three single andone double-berth cabins are located in the port hull and there are four double cabins in thestarboard hull. Both hulls are fitted with toilet and shower facilities and the starboard hull alsoincludes laundry equipment. Located on the upper deck the crew mess features comfortable sofaseating around two tables, as well as television and food preparation equipment.Looking to the future, Glenn Williams said Austal had already benefited from working withFred. Olsen, SA and that this was set to continue with the construction of the ground-breaking126.7 metre Auto Express trimaran cargo-vehicle-passenger ferry which was ordered in June.“By working together we have achieved a great result with the 66 metre catamaran, and I’m surethat, like the trimaran, it will make many operators sit up and take notice. It is a top quality yetextremely affordable solution for operators who wish to provide a high-speed alternative toPage 4 of 5