Austal Phillipines has successfully launched FTSR, a new 109-metere high-speed catamaran ferry for Fjord Line, at its recently expanded shipyard in Cebu. The vessel is the largest aluminium vessel ever launched in the country, and the largest by volume ever constructed by Austal.
FTSR can transport 1,200 passengers and 404 cars at a speed of up to 40 knots. She features several design innovations, including a new hull form that will minimise fuel consumption and wake wash.
“This impressive new ship for Fjord Line of Norway is the first of many large, high-speed commercial ferries to be constructed at our newly expanded shipyard in the Philippines,” said David Singleton, CEO of Austal. “After FTSR, we have Hull 395, a 118-metre trimaran, under construction, which will be the longest high-speed ferry to be constructed in the Philippines. We also have a 115-metre catamaran ferry scheduled for later this year – ensuring continuity of production at the Philippines shipyard well into the 2020s.”
FTSR is now in the final stages of fit out, ahead of her delivery to the Norwegian operator in the second quarter of 2020. She will then enter operation on the Skagerrak Sea between Hirtshals, Denmark and Kristiansand, Norway.
| Caption | The catamaran ferry was launched at the Austal Philippines shipyard in Cebu (Image: Austal) |