Noumea operator orders second ferry

Tourism operator, Mary D Enterprises, has selected Austal to design and construct a 35 metre high speed monohull passenger ferry, heralding the second Austal-built vessel for the Noumea-based company.


The ferry is principally intended for operation between Noumea and Amadee Island, but will also service other locations on New Caledonia’s south and west coasts. The new vessel will be joining the Austal-built “Mary D Dolphin”, which has transported more than 300,000 passengers on the Amadee Island route since its delivery in 1998, and will carry 138 passengers on two decks.


The new vessel will be one of only a small number of monohull ferries that are fully compliant with the International Maritime Organisation High Speed Craft (HSC) Code 2000. This is a significant step for Mary D Enterprises in modernising its fleet and in maintaining compliance with French regulations that now require adoption of the full HSC Code on all high speed vessels flying the French Flag.


Sylvie Helmy, General Manager of Mary D Enterprises, said Austal’s experience was instrumental in their choice of shipbuilder.
“We have always had great service and know the level of knowledge Austal has acquired over the years so the choice was easy.”
“Austal has proven experience not only in shipbuilding in general, but also in building vessels to French Flag requirements, which can be challenging at times,” said Ms Helmy.


Austal Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said the contract added to the company’s history of repeat customer business.
“Maintaining and supporting existing customer relationships is a core focus of Austal. We are very pleased that Mary D Enterprises has again selected Austal to design and construct their next vessel.”
“A significant factor in the selection of a shipbuilder is the knowledge that the client is signing with an experienced and proven designer and builder of high speed craft, and as such, we look forward to working with Mary D Enterprises once again to create a customised vessel that best meets their requirements,” said Mr Bellamy.


The ferry will be powered by three MTU 12V2000 engines coupled to Hamilton waterjets giving a speed of 34 knots. It will be built at Austal’s Western Australian facility and is scheduled for delivery in November 2011.
(Source:http://www.transportweekly.com)