March 29, 2024 -- Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX: ASB) is pleased to announce Austal Vietnam has been awarded a contract to design and construct a 71-metre roll-on-roll-off (RORO) passenger cargo vessel for The Degage Group of French Polynesia.
The new steel monohull ferry design includes an aluminium superstructure accommodating up to 140 seated passengers and 17 crew, and features a main cargo deck area of 494 sqm; capable of transporting a combination of 10’ and 20’ containers, palletised cargo and vehicles.
The exact purchase price for the vessel cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons however is in the range of AUD$30 - $40 million.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new contract represents the fifth ferry to be designed and constructed by Austal for The Degage Group, and the first steel hull ship to be constructed by Austal Vietnam.
“This contract is a testament to the successful business partnership developed between Austal and The Degage Group over a number of decades; reflecting the Degage Group’s great satisfaction in the Austal ferries delivered to date and their tremendous confidence in our team’s capability to deliver this all-new, steel hull design,” Mr Gregg said.
“In less than five years, the world-class shipbuilding team at Austal Vietnam has delivered three major ferry projects, for operators around the world, and now they are ready to take on their first steel hull ship, for one of our most valued customers.
In brief
Austal Limited says its Vietnam shipyard has won a contract to design and build a 71-metre steel roll-on/roll-off passenger-cargo ferry for The Degage Group of French Polynesia. The vessel will have an aluminium superstructure, capacity for up to 140 seated passengers and 17 crew, and a 494-square-metre cargo deck for containers, palletised freight and vehicles. Austal says the purchase price is confidential but falls within the AUD$30–$40 million range. Named Dory 2, the ferry is intended for inter-island services between Papeete and the Palliser Islands. Austal says it will be the first steel-hull ship built by Austal Vietnam and adds to its history of vessel projects for The Degage Group.
Key takeaways
- Austal Vietnam will design and build the 71-metre ferry for The Degage Group.
- The contract price is undisclosed, but Austal places it in the AUD$30–$40 million range.
- Dory 2 is intended to serve routes between Papeete and the Palliser Islands.
- The ship will be Austal Vietnam’s first steel-hull vessel, according to Austal.
“Our sincere thanks and warmest congratulations to both The Degage Group, and the Austal Vietnam team on this exciting new shipbuilding project that adds yet another, innovative ferry platform to the Austal commercial portfolio.
Mr Eugene Degage, Owner and Managing Director of The Degage Group said “We are extremely satisfied with our collaboration with the Austal shipyard, which has successfully built vessels for our Degage Group fleet. This success is testament to the trust we place in their expertise and professionalism. Each vessel is a testament to their dedication to delivering superior products that combine innovation and performance. Their unwavering commitment and attention to detail ensures that these vessels meet the highest industry standards. This fruitful collaboration reinforces our conviction that Austal shipyard is a reliable and competent partner for large-scale marine projects. We look forward to continuing this relationship and exploring new opportunities together.”
With a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 1,000Nm, the new ship (to be named Dory 2, after her predecessor) is designed to operate essential, inter-island transport services efficiently and sustainably, between Papeete and the Palliser Islands in French Polynesia. Austal has previously designed and built six vessels for The Degage Group, comprising two 69 metre monohull cruise ships (Austal Hulls 172 and 173), a 56 metre vehicle passenger catamaran ferry (Austal Hull 266), an 80 metre vehicle passenger catamaran ferry (Austal Hull 201), a 49 metre vehicle passenger ferry (Hull 421) and most recently, the 66 metre high-speed catamaran ‘Apetahi Express’, delivered in June 2023.
This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer.
‘Dory 2’ is a 71 metre RORO passenger cargo ferry to be constructed by Austal Vietnam for The Degage Group of French Polynesia (Image: Austal Australia)
FURTHER INFORMATION
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Questions around this news
What does roll-on-roll-off mean for a passenger and cargo vessel?
Roll-on-roll-off, often shortened to RORO, describes a vessel designed so wheeled cargo can be driven or rolled aboard and off again, typically using ramps. Depending on the ship, it may carry vehicles, trailers, or other wheeled loads alongside passengers or other freight. This arrangement can make loading and unloading more straightforward than lifting each item aboard separately.
What will the new ferry carry, and what route is it designed to serve?
The planned vessel, named Dory 2 after an earlier ship, is designed to carry passengers, crew, containers, palletised freight, and vehicles. Austal says it will operate inter-island transport between Papeete and the Palliser Islands in French Polynesia. Its stated cruising speed is 12 knots, and its stated range is 1,000 nautical miles.
What are the main design and capacity details of the new vessel?
The design is a 71-metre steel monohull with an aluminium superstructure. It is specified to accommodate up to 140 seated passengers and 17 crew, with a 494-square-metre main cargo deck. The release says that deck can take a mix of 10-foot and 20-foot containers, palletised goods, and vehicles.
What is the difference between a monohull and a catamaran?
A monohull has one main hull supporting the vessel. A catamaran has two parallel hulls joined by a structure above the water. The different layouts affect how a vessel is arranged and behaves on the water; the suitable configuration depends on the ship’s intended use and design requirements.
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