Austal Delivers High Speed Offshore Crew Transfer Vessel

Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce it has delivered its second high speed crew transfer vessel this year, to Swire Pacific Offshore (SPO). The 57.6-metre, all-aluminium catamaran was designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Austal’s shipyard in the Philippines. It is the fourth offshore crew transfer vessel delivered by Austal in the past 15 months.

The 40 knot ‘Offshore Express 57’ Large Crew Transfer Vessel (LCTV), named Pacific Kestrel, is a technologically advanced transport solution that is affordable and economical to own and operate. Capable of safely transporting 90 personnel (plus cargo) to offshore platforms up to Sea State 6 (defined as Very Rough conditions with wave heights between 4 to 6m), the vessel is a highly efficient alternative to fair-weather dependent helicopters.

Replacing comparatively more expensive helicopter transfers from early 2017, the Pacific Kestrel (and similar vessels like the 70 metre Rashid Behbudov recently delivered by Austal) is transforming the global offshore crew transfer market by bringing completely new levels of comfort, safety, versatility and economy to offshore operations. Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said  the Offshore Express 57 was another great example of Austal’s shipbuilding capability.

“This latest large crew transfer vessel delivery further demonstrates Austal’s competitiveness in the international shipbuilding market. This competitiveness comes from our continued focus on reducing costs, which is achieving great outcomes for our customers and their clients,” Singleton remarked.

The Pacific Kestrel features an Ampelmann motion-compensated “walk-to-work” (W2W) gangway that allows for the safe transfer of personnel to offshore platforms. Aided by a DP-2 (Dynamic Positioning) control system, the vessel has built-in redundancy to successfully complete transfers in the unlikely event of an engine or bow thruster failing.

In addition to a large, 200sqm cargo deck allowing up to 100 tonnes of cargo to be transported, the vessel also has Search and Rescue capability (SAR), with an on-board Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) available for rapid deployment and a chemical dispersant adding oil-spill ‘first response’ capability.

The Offshore Express 57 LCTV features DP-2 dynamic positioning technology and “walk to work” capability ensuring the fast and safe transfer of personnel to and from offshore oil and gas platforms.

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About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 28 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high-speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high-speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal  has  expertise  in  integrating  complex  systems  into  its  ships,  including  ride  control,  ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.