Austal to Construct New Passenger Catamaran for Whitsundays Routes

The aluminium catamaran, designed by Incat Crowther, will be constructed at Austal Vietnam's shipyard in Vung Tau, with delivery expected in December 2026. The vessel is designed to accommodate 390 passengers and 10 crew members, operating scheduled services from Airlie Beach to Daydream and Hamilton Islands.

This contract underscores Austal's expertise in designing and constructing high-quality passenger vessels tailored to the specific needs of operators in diverse maritime environments. The new catamaran is expected to offer enhanced comfort, efficiency, and reliability for passengers travelling within the Whitsundays, a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant tourism industry.

For Cruise Whitsundays, the addition of this state-of-the-art vessel aligns with their commitment to providing exceptional service and experiences to visitors exploring the Whitsundays. The increased capacity and modern amenities of the new catamaran will support the growing demand for marine transport in the area, contributing to the region's economic growth and tourism appeal.

This development also highlights the strength of Australia's shipbuilding industry, with companies like Austal playing a pivotal role in delivering innovative maritime solutions both domestically and internationally. The collaboration between Austal and Cruise Whitsundays exemplifies the synergy between shipbuilders and operators in advancing the nation's marine transport infrastructure.