Austal Philippines, part of Australian shipbuilding group Austal, has received the fifth high-speed commercial ferry order in just over twelve months.

Namely, VS Ferries Corporation of Samar in the Philippines has awarded an AUD 5.5 million (USD 4.3 million) contract to Austal for the construction of a 30-meter all-aluminium catamaran, designed by Incat Crowther.

“In just 5 years of operation, Austal Philippines has delivered 13 vessels and established a highly efficient workforce, utilising advanced, modular shipbuilding techniques developed right here in Australia,” David Singleton, Austal Chief Executive Officer, said.

Construction of the new ferry, with capacity to carry up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 25 knots, will commence in September 2017, with delivery scheduled for August 2018, according to the shipbuilder.

Established in Balamban, Cebu in 2012, Austal Philippines specializes in commercial shipbuilding.