Austal Delivers Third-Party-Designed 70 metre Vessel To Azerbaijan

Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce the on-time, on-specification and on-budget delivery of the Incat-Crowther designed ‘Offshore Express 70’ large crew transfer vessel, Rashid Behbudov, to Caspian Marine Services Limited (CMS) of Azerbaijan.

Austal has delivered yet another technically advanced vessel for export from the proven West Australian shipbuilding facilities and experienced construction team that are ready to build the Commonwealth of Australia’s Offshore Patrol Vessels. The vessel has been delivered less than 12 months after construction commenced in October 2015.

The impressive 70 metre catamaran, featuring DP2 (DYNPOS-AUTR) dynamic positioning and an Ampelmann ‘walk to work’ gangway, has been officially handed over to CMS at a ceremony today at the Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle, attended by Ms Aydan Rzaeva, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Board Members of CMS. Austal Chairman John Rothwell AO congratulated CMS Chairman, Carl Rolaston, on taking delivery of the company’s newest maritime asset.

“This project successfully  demonstrates Austal’s  ability  to successfully collaborate with our valued client and their designer to deliver a customised vessel, efficiently and cost effectively. We are justifiably proud of our shipbuilding teams to deliver this impressive vessel in less than 12 months and congratulate CMS on their latest addition to the fleet.”

Austal worked closely with CMS and their designer, Incat Crowther to integrate Marine Link, Austal’s proven Control and Monitoring system and Austal’s proprietary Ride Control technology with T-foils and interceptors that improve the vessel’s seakeeping characteristics and crew comfort.

The Austal ‘Offshore Express 70’ is an effective transport and logistics solution, featuring more than 400 square metre of cargo  deck  area  and  the  ability  to  carry  150  passengers (plus 16 crew) 400 nautical miles at 30 knots. The vessel offers oil and gas industry operators greater safety, reliability and economy than alternative offshore transportation modes, such as helicopters.

Austal won the A$44.5million contract to build the sister ship to CMS’ Muslim Magomayev in June 2015.

Rashid Behbudov, a 70 metre offshore crew transfer vessel constructed by Austal for Caspian Marine Services of Azerbaijan (Photo: Austal)

-ENDS-

About Austal
Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world for more than 27 years. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships
Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centered on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems
Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support
Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.