Austal Philippines Delivers 32 Metre Catamaran ‘Ocean Master’ to Rottnest Fast Ferries
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Austal Philippines Delivers 32 Metre Catamaran ‘Ocean Master’ to Rottnest Fast Ferries
Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-metre catamaran to Rottnest Fast Ferries, less than twelve months after commencing construction in Balamban, Cebu.
The vessel, named ‘Ocean Master’, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea trials in November 2024.
President of Austal Asia, Wayne Murray said the delivery was yet another demonstration of the proven capability of the Austal Philippines shipyard to construct world-class vessels of any design, quickly, efficiently and to the highest quality.
“The Austal Philippines team have delivered this impressive new catamaran in less than 12 months - exceeding expectations for productivity, while maintaining the highest construction standards and product quality,” Mr Murray said.
“With this latest delivery, Austal Philippines has delivered 22 ships to 13 operators from around the world, including catamarans and trimarans ranging in size from 21 metres through to 118 metres. The shipyard also has the capacity and capability to provide through-life support for commercial and defence vessels - including vessel repairs, maintenance and refit services utilising the 100-metre floating dock, Lewek Hercules.
“Our warmest congratulations and sincere thanks go to Rottnest Fast Ferries on the delivery of ‘Ocean Master’ and we wish the crew ‘fair winds and following seas’ for the journey home, and in operation off the coast of Western Australia.”
Managing Director of Pinnacle Travel Group, James Mulholland said "The entire Austal team demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence throughout the construction of ‘Ocean Master’. Their ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to ensure we received a high-quality vessel on time was remarkable.
“Project management was exceptional, with clear communication, detailed planning and timely execution at every stage. The team was open to our suggestions and went above and beyond to implement our requests, ensuring the vessel met our unique operational requirements.
“From leadership to the project team, Austal showcased a dedication to customer satisfaction that has left us thoroughly impressed," Mr Mulholland added.
The 32-metre aluminium catamaran, designed by Incat Crowther, has a capacity for up to 400 passengers and 5 crew seated over 3 decks, and extensive cargo space available for passenger’s bicycles and baggage securely stored on 2 decks. With 2 x 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, ‘Ocean Master’ will have an operating speed of up to 25 knots for the 40-minute journey between Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth, to Rottnest Island in Western Australia.
Austal Philippines has delivered Hull 428 “Ocean Master” to Rottnest Fast Ferries, of Hillarys Western Australia (Image: Austal Philippines)
Media Contact: Cameron Morse, [email protected], 0433886871
ABOUT AUSTAL
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder and defence prime contractor designing, constructing and sustaining some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels.
In its 35 years of operations, Austal has built more than 350 vessels for 122 commercial and defence operators in 59 countries.
Austal is Australia’s largest defence exporter and first ASX-listed shipbuilder. The Company has industry-leading shipyards in Australia, the United States of America, Philippines and Vietnam, and service centres worldwide.
Austal delivers iconic monohull, catamaran and trimaran commercial and defence vessel platforms.
Although the Company’s roots are in aluminium shipbuilding – it is the world’s largest aluminium shipbuilder – Austal builds conventional and autonomous ships in both steel and aluminium, as well as a range of other bespoke maritime build programs such submarine modules.
Austal was the first, and remains one of only two, foreign-owned prime contractors designing, constructing and sustaining ships for the US Navy. For more information, visit: https://www.austal.com/
ABOUT ROTTNEST FAST FERRIES
Rottnest Fast Ferries is Rottnest's only locally owned and operated ferry company, providing fast and affordable transportation to Rottnest. Offering daily departures from Hillarys Boat Harbour, the marina and tourist precinct only 25 minutes from Perth's CBD. Free parking and complimentary hotel transfers from major hotels are available. For more information, visit: https://www.rottnestfastferries.com.au/
ABOUT PINNACLE TRAVEL GROUP
As a fully integrated, Western Australian, family-owned business with over 40 years of tourism experience, Pinnacle Travel Group delivers excellence in transportation services. It encompasses industry-leading ferry services, coach day tours, and niche seasonal products, all locally owned and operated. For more information, visit: https://www.pinnacletravelgroup.com.au/