AUSTAL DESIGNED & BUILT PASSENGER EXPRESS 56 CHRISTENED “HALUNDER JET” FOR THE FRS GROUP

AUSTAL (ASX:ASB) executives Wayne Murray, President Austal Philippines and Ben Marland, Vice President Sales & Marketing joined FRS executives, Götz Becker, Jan Kruse, and Birte Dettmers in Hamburg, Germany to celebrate the official christening of the latest vessel to join the FRS fleet. The new catamaran was designed in Austal’s Headquarters in Henderson, Western Australia, and built in Austal’s facility in Cebu, Philippines.

The new “Halunder Jet” is FRS’ flagship vessel, offering more space and comfort for passengers. The vessel is outfitted to maximise the passenger experience, with energy efficient LED lighting to create mood, ambience and decorative effect. Large windows in the cabin create superior visibility and two open deck areas offer passengers unparalleled viewing opportunities whilst on board.

“To build a catamaran to the quality we demand it takes a lot of experience and expertise. With Austal, we found a reliable and competent partner for this project,” Birte Dettmers, Managing Director of FRS Helgoline said.

“We are committed to developing next generation technology to deliver the most advanced vessels for customers like FRS,” Wayne Murray, President Austal Philippines said.

“Austal has for three decades developed a reputation for excellence in maritime products and services. We continue to expand this with every successful commissioning and delivery of our advanced, first-rate and highly technical ships,” Mr Murray said.

This all-aluminium catamaran was designed and built to be environmentally friendly. Operating at speeds of up to 35 knots, the vessel features silicon type anti-fouling (with no biocides that can harm waterways), a sewage treatment plant, and an engine exhaust arrangement capable of utilising catalytic converters to remove nitrous oxides from the main engine exhaust.

Advanced design and smart ship technology were also installed to provide a vessel of superior performance and seakeeping. The vessel includes Austal’s leading innovations MarineLink and autonomous Ride Control System. These unique features offer the latest technology in vessel management and performance, dramatically improving vessel motions to ensure maximum passenger comfort.

Austal Media Contact

Contact:        Gemma Whiting - Government Relations Manager

Mobile:         +61 (0)408 982 727

Email:           gemma.whiting@austal.com

Website:       www.austal.com

About Austal

Austal is an Australian shipbuilder and global defence prime contractor which designs constructs and sustains some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels.

Austal successfully balances both commercial and defence projects, and is celebrating 30 years of success in 2018.  Austal has designed constructed and delivered more than 300 commercial and defence vessels for more than 100 operators in 54 countries worldwide.

Austal is Australia’s largest defence exporter and the only ASX-listed shipbuilder. Austal has industry-leading shipyards in Australia, the United States of America and Philippines and service centres worldwide.

Austal delivers iconic monohull, catamaran and trimaran commercial vessel platforms – including the world’s largest trimaran ferry and multiple defence programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the United States Navy. Austal has grown to become the world’s largest aluminium shipbuilder.