A striking new all-aluminium high-speed catamaran, the Austal ‘Apetahi Express’ has been launched in Vung Tau, Vietnam.

Measuring 66.4m LOA, 15.2m beam and 1.8m draft she offers a 574 pax capacity over two decks with an additional 80 seats on the external sun deck. Crew accommodation is for 21.

Powered by four diesel engines and four waterjets as well as Austal’s renowned Motion Control System (including active interceptors and T-foils) the top end speed is approaching 36kts with a range of 360nm (excluding a long-range tank, fitted).

Designed for high-speed inter-island operation in French Polynesia, as well as the large passenger capacity she offers a large cargo space for up to 16 tonnes loaded by two cranes.

The President of Austal Vietnam, Mark Dummett has congratulated and paid tribute to the Austal Vietnam team. This is the 3rd Austal vessel constructed in Vung Tau since 2018.