Henderson-based ship builder Austal has won a $45 million contract to build a wind-powered trimaran cargo vessel for French company Vela Transport.
Henderson-based ship builder Austal has won a $45 million contract to build a wind-powered trimaran cargo vessel for French company Vela Transport.
The 66.8 metre sailing vessel is based on a concept design by VPLP of Paris, will be constructed at Austal’s Philippines in Balamban, Cebu.
Austal chief executive Paddy Gregg said the new contract confirmed the company’s position as a shipbuilder of choice and a leader in trimaran design and construction.
“Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique, sailing cargo trimaran – a striking looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100 per cent wind power,” he said.
“Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency and performance.
“The shallow draft of the trimaran also allows greater access to secondary ports, facilitating access to Vela’s customers’ factories and warehouses.”
The use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99 per cent.
“Having designed and constructed 25 large trimarans for commercial and defence operators around the world, since 2007, no other shipbuilder is better placed to deliver this impressive new ship for Vela, and the Austal Philippines team can’t wait to get started,” Mr Gregg said.
Vela Transport chief executive Pierre-Arnaud Vallon said the contract signified more than just a ship build.
“We are helping to shape the future of international maritime transport,” he said.
“This sailing cargo trimaran, the first and largest of its kind, symbolizes our vision of a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”
Vela Transport chief operating officer Pascal Galacteros said Austal was chosen after a global tender process lasting over nine months.
“The construction of this unique vessel represents an unprecedented technical challenge,” he said.
“We are tackling it with pride and determination, relying on Austal’s globally recognised expertise in multi-hulls and aluminium shipbuilding, and integrating the wind sailing expertise from our partners VPLP and MerConcept.”
The contract win comes after Austal earlier this month confirmed the federal government had accelerated a plan to deliver 18 medium landing craft for the Army's new littoral fleet.
The acceleration of the $2 billion project is expected to create 1,100 direct jobs, delivering heavy landing aircraft and amphibious vehicles.
The first of those Birdon-designed vehicles will now be delivered in 2026, having previously been slated for service from 2027.
The local build of medium landing craft is complemented by the addition of up to eight heavy landing craft, which will also be built by Austal at Henderson.
Austal shares were up 2 per cent to $2.62 at 2.45pm Western Australian time today.
