Austal delivers 32-metre Rottnest ferry

Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-metre catamaran (pictured) to Rottnest Fast Ferries in Western Australia for use on the popular service between Hillarys and Rottnest Island.

Built in Balamban, Cebu in the Philippines, the ‘Ocean Master’, designed by Incat Crowther, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea trials in November 2024.

The President of Austal Asia Wayne Murray said the delivery was a demonstration of the capability of the Austal Philippines shipyard to construct world-class vessels of high-level designs, quickly, efficiently and to the highest quality.

Murray said: “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.

“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.”

The 32-metre aluminium catamaran has a capacity for up to 400 passengers and five crew seated over three decks, and extensive cargo space available for passenger’s bicycles and baggage securely stored on two decks.

With two x 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers, ‘Ocean Master’ will have an operating speed of up to 25 knots for the 45-minute journey between Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth, to Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Picture: Austal Philippines