Austal Philippines hands over fast cat to South Korea's Seaspovill

Austal reports that the company has made its first ever delivery to a South Korean customer with the handover of a 50 m high speed passenger ferry to Seaspovill from the Austal Philippines shipyard.

The A$16million contract for the Incat Crowther-designed, all aluminum catamaran – the Seastar 11 — was awarded in June 2016.

The Seastar 11 will transport up to 450 passengers at speeds greater than 40 knots, from the mainland ports of Donghae and Gangneung to the island of Ulleung-do in South Korea and is the thirteenth vessel to be constructed at Austal Philippines in the last five years.

Speaking at the vessel handover ceremony, Austal Philippines President Wayne Murray said the Seaspovill delivery was another great achievement for the company.

"Austal Philippines is proving itself as a world leader in internationally competitive commercial vessel construction and we are delighted with what we have delivered to Seaspovill," Mr Murray said.

"Our last three boats have come out on time and on budget and we certainly plan to continue this enviable record with our current and future contracts," he added.

Austal Philippines continues construction on a 56 m high speed catamaran ferry for Förde Reederei Seetouristik (FRS) of Germany; while Austal Australia is bidding for the Australian Government's $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel contract in a joint venture with German shipbuilder Fassmer.