Benchijigua Express AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS”... IS QUITE SIMPLY THE

MOST SIGNIFICANT VESSEL TO ARRIVE ON THE

FAST STAGE IN RECENT YEARS AND IS SET

TO IMPROVE FAST SEA TRANSPORTATION AND

OPEN NEW MARKETS BEYOND THE ABILITY OF

EXISTING FAST FERRY DESIGNS. C S T N E T N O C TIONS S N O I AT C I L P P A N A R A M I R T E R U T U F S N O I . A AT . R S E P , O N E S L O . N D G E I R S F E D T M U A E O D V B R I A E F VAT F O O N C N I L N TA A S U R A O F E H E T C N A N I F Y T E E V I I C O VAT S S O R N A N N L O I U I C AT I C T I R F PA I S L S A PA L I C C N E I H R T P R O F E N G O N T I S R E E L V I U M E O A N A M & N O I S L U P O R P N O I T C E L E S S S E E C N O I R G P N E N O I T C U R T S N O C E H T N G I S E D R O I R T E P T E N C I N O T C R O N F A M R O A C M I R R E T G N E E H S T S PA F O H C R A E S N I A S T N E M E TAT S S ’ N E M R I A H

0 1 5 2 0 3 9 2 7 2 6 2 2 1 2 6 1 3 2 8 1 4 4 8 3

1 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” ”

Austal workforce at the launch of “Benchijigua Express”. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

2 the application of high speed ferry services hasbeentheir services the applicationofhighspeedferry Proof ofFred.Olsen,S.A.’s positionasaworldleaderin development. testament tothesignificantinvestmentwemakeinproduct unprecedented fiveyearprogramofresearch,is ofAustalandfollowingan milestone inthehistory of“BenchijiguaExpress”isasubstantial The delivery operations. to provideourcustomersthebestpossiblesolutionfortheir byourcommitmenttocustomiseddesignand large part exemplifiedina transportation, of choiceforfastferry S L T TA S . U N O From theoutsetAustalhasendeavouredtobebuilder A . A E , N L A L M M E R W I H E A T H O C R N H TAT O J S R M S ’ N E M R I A H C

willingness to support thisdevelopmentphasebeforea willingness tosupport in an efficient and cost-effective manner.in anefficientand cost-effective new designandthenensureitwould meetourrequirements research, tanktestingandotheranalysis tofirstlydevelopa cooperated onanextensiveand dedicated programmeof With theseobjectivesinmindFred.Olsen, S.A.andAustal capacityofcatamarans. stability andcarrying good which woulddevelopfromthelowresistance,very research torefineanewconceptforhigh-speedvessels Express” wasunderconstructionwhereweexploredfurther This beganwhileourpreviousAustalvessel,“Bocayna fleet hasbeendeveloped. . A . S , N vessel withmanyimprovementsoverourcurrentfastship E S L O . D E R Through theclosecooperationwithAustalahighlyversatile F . , R N N A J M R N I E A S H L C O D E R F R M “Benchijigua Express”. an equallydedicatedteamfromFred.Olsen,S.A.,tocreate diligently throughmanychallenges,andincooperationwith design, engineeringandproductionteamthathasworked ofthelarge Personally itispleasingtohavebeenpart without sacrificingseakeeping. difficult seaconditionstospecifyavesselbasedonpayload andforthefirsttimeenablesoperatorsfacing the industry for our expectations.Thetrimaranisagenuinestepforward designexceeding we aredelightedtoseethenewferry Having nowtestedthevesselinawiderangeofconditions shipbuilding contractwassigned.

deserve thebest. deserve generation oflargefastferries.We believeourcustomers wellsetthestandardforanew to comeandcouldvery This trimaranshould,forus,bethe solutionformanyyears to 40%dependingontheroutesweoperate. willincreaseby25% At thesametimepassengercomfort deadweight andfreightlanemetresbymorethan35%. ofpassengercapacity,overall efficiencyinterms 126.7 metresandbeamof30.4metres,willimprove The characteristicsofthisnewvessel,withalength . stabilised monohullmorecommonlyreferredtoasa The resultisanew“BenchijiguaExpress”,slender

3 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” IN SEARCH OF PASSENGER COMFORT

THIS PROJECT COULD BE SAID TO HAVE STARTED IN Fred. Olsen, S.A. were aware that Austal had been Improvements in computer simulation software now allow investigating the trimaran hull form as a concept which could builders to investigate new solutions to improve the way 1999, WHEN AS A RESULT OF DISCUSSIONS WITH deliver improved passenger comfort. Their request initiated a vessel behaves in a sea way. The use of wind and FRED.OLSEN, S.A., AUSTAL WAS ASKED TO DESIGN many months of intense research and development into what wave data from the proposed area of operation gives could be achieved with the new hull form. This involved builders and operators the further opportunity to predict A LARGE CATAMARAN FOR USE IN THE CANARY developing a new General Arrangement, some preliminary the operability of the proposed design whilst it is still in ISLANDS. HOWEVER IT WAS CLEAR DURING THE tank testing and a large amount of Computational Fluid the conceptual stage of development. This allows a higher Dynamics (CFD) work. An unexpected issue was the number degree of experimentation on differing hull forms at a low ONGOING TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS THAT FRED. of patents that were in place describing various aspects of cost and with no risk. Investigations into ships motions have OLSEN, S.A. WAS LOOKING FOR A FRESH APPROACH the trimaran design. The Austal trimaran took several months proved to be a useful tool for several projects at Austal. to design in order to achieve the platform capacity, to For example the Patrol Boat Project AND A BETTER SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE OF develop the hull shape to achieve the performance required required all tenders to submit motion studies demonstrating

PASSENGER COMFORT, HULL EFFICIENCY AND FUEL by Fred. Olsen, S.A. and to comply with the HSC Code. that the location of compartments such as the Command

” Control Room, galleys, sleeping quarters and day rooms Sea keeping has been called the forgotten factor in the fast CONSUMPTION. were located in the optimum position within the vessel’s ferry market. Over the last decade builders of fast structure with respect to the motions of the whole vessel. have supplied larger and larger vessels to improve the deadweight carrying capacity of their product; a secondary WHAT IS MEANT BY OPERABILITY? effect of the increase in size has been the improvement in the vessel’s seakeeping ability. However this has occurred Defining the Operability of a vessel can be split into several as a consequence of the development and has not been parts.

its prime objective. Routes being considered for fast ferries • Identification of the critical motions today are typically longer and more exposed than the routes • Definition of the limits on the critical motions of yesterday. The expectations of comfort demanded by passengers are higher today than a few years ago. Ferries • Application of the environmental data that are comfortable and seaworthy attract loyalty from the • Prediction of the vessel’s response passengers who are also looking for a super ferry feel on • Evaluation of the outcome fast ferries. Competition from short haul cut price airlines has further increased the pressure on the ferry market share. It is important to first identify the motions that are important to the operation, these will differ depending on the vessel type. For instance in a military program, motions that dictate whether sonar, or helicopter operations can take place are paramount, whereas for a ferry operator the motions experienced on the passenger deck will be more important. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

4 ABLE 1 E L B TA TheRolllimitapproximatesthemaximumrollthatcan • TheLateralaccelerationlimitistheamountof • MSIisusuallymeasuredovera1or2hourperiodas • The criteriacanbedefi ned asshowninTable 1. Roll • Lateralforceestimator(LFE) • Motionsicknessincidence(MSI) • follows; ofpassengervesselsareas measure theperformance years. AtAustalthethreecriteriathathavebeenusedto well establishedcriteriathathavebeenpublishedformany The defi nition ofthelimitstobeplacedonmotionsuses Passengers onaferry Roll Passengers onaferry Lateral Accelerations Exposure C I T S I R E T Motion SicknessIncidence C A R A H C N O I T O M occur before an object on a table will start sliding. occur beforeanobjectonatablewillstart whilst standingupandholdingontoarail. with acceleration anaveragepersoniscomfortable investigation. this istypicallyrepresentativeofthevoyagelengthunder 2 hours 1 hours 1 / 2 hour 3.0º (RMS) 0.05g (RMS) 10% 10% 10% A I R E T I R C diagram asillustratedinfi gure 2. The operabilityofthevesselcanbeshownasapolar exceeding thedefi ned motioncriteria. the wavescatteranddirectiondiagramswithout operate intheenvironmentalconditionsasdefi ned by ofthetimethatvesselcan theproportion determines The percentageoperabilitygeneratedbytheprocess Operability. Expressedasapercentage,anddescribes 4. OperationalLimits.Establishesthewaveheightatwhich 3. Ship’s ofthe responsetoirregularwaves.Thispart 2. Transfer functioncalculationorRAOs.Thesefunctions 1. The fourstagescanbedefi ned asfollows; which areillustratedinFigure1. each ofthecriterianotedaboveconsistsseveralstages Analysis ofthewayvesselbehavesinaseawayagainst specifi c. sea condition,headingandspeed.Thiscanberoute the vessel’s capabilityconsideringthetime spentineach the motioncriteriawillbeexceeded. spectrum. the vesseltowaveenergiesacrossachosen calculation takesintoconsiderationtheresponseof systems. ofridecontrol simulation. RAOscanincludetheeffect RAOs canbeobtainedfromtanktestingorbycomputer describe thehullform’s responsetoregularwaves. The TERAL FORCE ESTIMA R O AT M I T S E E C R O F Y T L I A L R I E B A AT R L E P - O 2 E R U G I F ) K E T N I R A M Y B D E N I F E D S A - ( 1 E R U G I F AGES OF ANAL S I S LY A N A F O S E G TA S R U O F

5 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” Figure 2 shows the LFE of the 127 metre trimaran compared percentage increase in operability, to gain the quantum F I G U R E 3 to a 120 metre catamaran. The diagram shows that in a improvement that was being sought would only be achieved beam sea (on the route being considered) that; by designing of a new hull form.

• The trimaran can operate for 95% of the time without The operability studies were based on the actual sea exceeding the LFE criteria. conditions found in the . Conveniently there was a wave buoy near the proposed route from which • The catamaran can operate for 65% of the time without a wave scatter diagram could be derived. This data exceeding the LFE criteria. combined with directional data enabled the performance Operability studies can also illustrate the output in a of the vessel to be accurately modelled for each leg of the graphical manner as shown in fi gure 3. proposed route. The operability information was delivered Figure 3 illustrates the capability of a particular trimaran to Fred.Olsen, S.A. as a series of polar diagrams which F I G U R E 4 to operate in a higher sea state than a catamaran before compared the catamaran and trimaran performances. either exceeds the roll criteria. For instance in a beam sea The fi nal report to Fred.Olsen, S.A. stated that the trimaran

” the trimaran can operate in a sea 3.8 metre higher than the would offer a 26% improvement in operability over the catamaran hull being used in this comparison. compared hull forms. Encouraged by these early predictions

One of the fi rst studies in the commercial arena that used there was a program of further design development operability as a way of quantifying a vessel’s behaviour including additional tank testing and the construction of was for the development of the trimaran. The initial design an 11 metre manned model of the hullshape. proposal was for a 120 metre catamaran hull with a This year the Research and Development Department at 1000 tonne deadweight capacity. Operability analysis of Austal has conducted a number of operability studies this design showed that whilst the increase in length over for interested operators. These studies have followed Fred.Olsen, S.A.’s current tonnage would provide some the procedure outlined above and in all cases have demonstrated the superiority of the trimaran over other hull forms. improvement in operability for a vessel operating with seas anywhere on the beam it is necessary to change the There have been a number of interesting outcomes from hull form. these studies. The trimaran hull form allows Austal to decouple capacity When comparing two catamaran designs, for example, from the overall length of the vessel. This is a very useful an Austal 101 metre design and the 120 metre design feature for operators who have a rough sea route requiring it is apparent that the increase in length whilst benefi cial a larger vessel but a low deadweight requirement. A 100 if operating in a head seas environment, only marginally metre long trimaran has the capability of being designed improves operability when the seas are between a with a low deadweight whilst remaining cost competitive quarter head through to just aft of the beam. This is an AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS with the equivalent sized (in deadweight terms) catamaran. • The T-foil of “Benchijigua Express” important fi nding as it indicates that to achieve a signifi cant

6 design. wave heightlimitation shouldbereviewedforaparticular an operatorordesignercandemonstrate thatthe3.5metre The HighSpeedCraftCodeprovides themethodbywhich accelerations atamidshipsto1g. of restrictingthevertical length, displacementandotherparameters withthepurpose arecalculated oninputscontainingthevessel’scurves metres significant.TheClassificationSpeedwaveheight inseastatesupto4.55.0 operations arepermitted whichtypically show Society speedwaveheightcurves States andshouldnotbeconfusedwiththeClassification limit hasbeenimposedindependentlybyanumberofFlag operations toaseastatenotexceeding3.5metres.This that mosthighspeedvesselshavebeenrestrictedintheir L A N O I AT It isclearfromourdiscussionswithoperatorsinEurope R E P O E L E I H F T O R G P N I S A E R C N I requires upto20%morepowerachievethesamespeed. ofpoweringandefficiencyacomparablemonohull terms Whilst thecatamaranandtrimarandesignsaresimilarin surfaces. height andsofterrollcanbecontrolledwithsmallercontrol withitslowermetacentric area. Thetrimaranhullform due totheweightandspeedlosswettedsurface achieve thedesiredmotionsthattheybecomeunrealistic, havetobesolargeinorder where thecontrolsurfaces degree;therecomesapointhowever controlled toacertain A catamaranwithitshighmetacentricheightcanbe a catamaran. amonohulland relationship betweenthetrimaranhullform, operating inatypicalseaspectrumandshowsthe Figure 4showstheoverallOperabilityofthreevessels Annex 9oftheHSCCodeistitled“Definitions,requirements within SafetyLevel 1. The intentoftheregulationsisthat highspeedcraftoperate Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 shown below; Annex 3,Table 1.Thistableshowsfour LevelsofSafetyas to ensurethatthelevelsdonotexceedthoseshownin The horizontalaccelerationsmeasuredmaybeinterpolated measuringhorizontalaccelerations • headingtothewaves • craftspeed • be documentedbymeasuringthefollowing; statesthatthe The Codefurther lasting 15minutes. controlled manuallyandunderautopilot,witheachrun The Annexstatesthatthevesselmustbetrialledwhilst 150% ofthemoreseveretwomeasuredconditions read, ‘ discussions withintheIMOmayalterthisrequirementto intheworstintendedconditions.Recent the performance tests andmathematicalsimulations trialled in“ Section 3.2ofAnnex9statesthatthevesselmaybe characteristics inaseaway. which avesselshouldbeseatrialledtodemonstrateits Thisannexdescribesthemethodby performance”. and compliancecriteriarelatedtooperationalsafety the worstintendedconditionsshouldnotexceed Catastrophic effect Significantdegradationofsafety Majordegradationofsafety Hazardous effect Moderatedegradation ofsafety Major effect Minor effect two relevantseaconditions normal operatinglimits normal ” maybeusedtoverify ” andthat“ model shall ”. metres significantwaveheight. will achieveSafetyLevel1complianceinseasupto4.5 Fremantlehasdemonstratedthatthevessel conditions off sea The seatrialsof“BenchijiguaExpress”invarying assumed. based onmeasurementintwoseaconditionscanbe relationship betweenthewaveheightandaccelerations conditions. HowevermostFlagStatesacceptthatalinear demonstrate avessel’s intheworstintended performance of computermodellingandtheextrapolationmethodto Flag StatesinEuropeastohowapproachtheuse There appearstobedisagreementbetweensomeofthe centre ofgravity. shall alsobemeasuredclosetothevessel’s longitudinal accelerations operatingconditions,andthatvertical normal shall bedocumentedinmuchthesamewayasfor The Codegoesontostatethatthe worst intendedcondition

7 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” THE TRIMARAN CONCEPT CONTRIBUTED BY MARINTEK, NORWAY

THE CATAMARAN HAS BEEN THE DOMINATING The conventional monohull has so far been the only realistic Many concepts which have been very promising in calm concept for operation in oceans and high sea states, but water and low sea states have encountered considerable HIGH SPEED CRAFT CONCEPT FOR TRANSPORT OF at lower speeds. To increase the speed of a monohull the problems in higher waves. slenderness of the hull has to be increased, however, this PASSENGERS/CARGO IN RELATIVELY PROTECTED We have been involved in development of trimaran introduces stability problems. The trimaran concept is in WATERS. FOR OPERATION ACROSS THE OCEANS concepts for many years. This work has comprised research principle a stabilized monohull, a monohull with outriggers. and development studies and verification/documentation Such concepts were well known hundreds of years ago. IN HIGH SEA STATES THE TUNNEL CLEARANCE of performance for commercial projects. We are working We found such a concept from early times in the Maritime closely together with NTNU, the Norwegian Centre of ON CATAMARANS RESULTS IN A SIGNIFICANT Museum in Fremantle, see below left. Excellence for Ships and Ocean Structures. OPERATIONAL LIMIT DUE TO LARGE EXPOSED AREAS MARINTEK has over the last 20 years tested more than 200 The Austal trimaran is the most advanced high speed different high speed craft concepts for customers around WITH HIGH IMPACT WAVE FORCES. concept we have been involved in regarding speed, size the world, including monohulls, catamarans, multihulls, and rough weather behaviour. Extensive model tests have Surface Effect Ships and foil assisted vehicles. Model been carried out in order to optimize the hull and propulsion ” tests in laboratories, tests with seagoing models and full system with respect to fuel consumption and speed in a scale tests have been carried out. We have seen that the seaway, see for instance the model picture below right. most important limiting factor is high impact loads and operational control in waves.

• Indonesian Minahasan canoe with amahs found drifting • Numerical modelling developed by • 5 metre tank test model used for seakeeping analysis. in 1944. Now located in the Western Australian Maritime Austal using Shipflow software was Museum. used to evaluate trimaran hull designs AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS prior to tank testing.

8 • 2.6metremodelwithvariable amah positions. for it’s detailedstructuraloptimisation. has accessto,weprovideourcustomerswiththebestbasis Combined withourtheoreticalmethods,whichAustalalso shallow water, andunderwindcurrentconditions. wavesincombination,deepand long andshortcrested speed shipsoperatingintwoandthree-dimensionalwaves, In ouruniqueOceanBasinwecanstudymodelsofhigh andinextremeconditions. in normal characteristics oftheshipinwaves,headingsandperiods stimulating theforcesonhullandoperational havebeenrelatedtopredictingand Our mainefforts • 5metreadvancedhullmodel. and January 2002. and January for motionandthrustanalysis.Trialled betweenJune2001 • 11metreself-poweredmanned model,fullyinstrumented operating ridecontrol 500 tonnesdeadweight,32,800kWwith Western Australia9April2005–40.5knots, Fremantle, seatrialsoff • Formal

9 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” INTERIOR DESIGN

AUSTAL’S FIRST EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH

FRED.OLSEN, S.A. WAS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION

OF “BOCAYNA EXPRESS” THE 66 METRE AUTO

EXPRESS DELIVERED IN NOVEMBER 2003. BOTH

FRED OLSEN JR. AND THE APPOINTED OWNER’S

REPRESENTATIVES DEVOTED MANY HOURS TO

DEVELOPING THE LAYOUT OF THE PASSENGER

SPACES AND VEHICLE DECK, AND IN SELECTING • Transom design enables full beam car and truck loading • Vehicle deck showing mezzanine levels enabling mixed FURNISHINGS, FABRICS AND COLOUR SCHEMES and unloading. loading of cars and trucks/ for flexible payload. ” FOR THE VESSEL THAT WERE IN HARMONY WITH The approach to the interior design of “Benchijigua • To achieve 450 truck lane metres with pillar spacing THE FRED.OLSEN, S.A. CORPORATE IDENTITY AND Express” was undertaken with the same high level of and deck planking arranged such that the heaviest COLOUR SCHEME. DURING THIS PROCESS THE cooperation and instrumental involvement in developing the freight vehicles can be carried in the centre lanes while general arrangement drawing. lighter vehicles can be accommodated in the outer AUSTAL INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM DEVELOPED A lanes but with sufficient space to drive around inside the The arrangement of the vehicle and passenger decks was vehicle deck. STRONG RESPECT FOR MR OLSEN’S KEEN EYE the first areas of focus for Fred.Olsen, S.A. • To create a highly flexible arrangement of lightweight FOR DETAIL AND HIS PASSION FOR FINISHES In developing the vehicle deck layout the key factors were: hoistable ramps and mezzanine decks that would permit • To create a full width vehicle deck opening at the stern AND COLOURS. the vessel to switch between freight and passenger to accept the Fred.Olsen, S.A. terminal ramps. Each vehicle modes in the minimum time. terminal has three ramps side by side which land on the • To achieve minimum turnaround times in port of no more stern of the vehicle deck and permit the simultaneous than 30 minutes. loading and/or unloading of three vehicle lanes. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

10 • Midshiprestaurantseating. quickly andsafelyevacuatedintheeventofanemergency. evacuation routestoensurethatallpassengerscanbe passenger loadingandunloadingtimesalsoto the locationandwidthofstaircasesinordertoreduce attentionwaspaidto and availablespace.Particular useofnaturallight flow andtomakethemosteffective developed byFred.Olsen,S.A.tooptimisepassenger Similarly thearrangementofpassengerdeckswas developed interior. areas wasanotherkeyelementoftheFred.Olsen,S.A. The arrangementanddesignofbars,shopcatering ferry fleet. ferry Management practisesintherestofhighspeed is consistentwiththebridgelayoutandBridgeResource was specificallychosenbyFred.Olsen,S.A.becauseit andtheNavigator’sport consoletostarboard.Thislayout the frontofwheelhousewithEngineer’s consoleto In additiontheMasterandbridgeteamsitinlineat cameras. colour TVmonitorstakingfeedfromberthing set ofmainengine,waterjetandbowthrustercontrols manoeuvring consolefacingaft,equippedwithaduplicate is designedwithoutbridgewingsbutwithacentre were theBridgeandCrewAccommodation.The Two otherareasofcontributionbyFred.Olsen,S.A. • Wheelhousedesignedforhighspeedoperations.

restful qualities. and andfacilitieswouldmaximisecomfort furnishings attentiontoensurethatthelayout, S.A. payingparticular oftheenginerooms.Fred.Olsen, the centrehullforward facilitieswereinstalled in with showers,toiletsandlaundry To thatend,asuiteofsingleanddouble cabinstogether atnight. able toaccommodatethemonboardinport greater amenitywouldbeprovidedtothecrewbybeing a uniqueapproachtocrewmanagementdecidingthat speed ferriesbuthereagainFred.Olsen,S.A.demonstrated providedinhigh Crew accommodationisnotnormally comfort. • Crewmessforoff-watch

11 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” ” AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

Bridge Deck Observation Deck Upper Deck 12 Mezzanine Deck Main Deck Hulls 13 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” With the basic arrangement of the passenger facilities vessels, particularly from “Bocayna Express”. Corporate determined Fred.Olsen, S.A. turned its attention to the colours and themes were replicated in carpet designs, colours, fabrics, furnishing and fittings. With a much larger furniture fabrics and laminate selections. passenger cabin and a more diverse range of facilities The Fred.Olsen, S.A. project team were meticulous in their than any of its previous high speed vessels this process consideration of the interiors and in debating the choices called for a greater range of fabrics, textures and colour of colours, materials and finishes, before making their final combinations. The collaboration between the styling and selections. colour sense of Mr Olsen and his team mixed with Austal’s There are a number of key features of the passenger layout sound knowledge of materials and construction techniques and interior that illustrate the rigour of this process. Feature ensured the end result - a superb interior finish. bulkheads were designed to capture Mr Olsen’s vision In the initial design stages, Austal provided Fred.Olsen, S.A using a combination of feature panels combining specially with a wide variety of material samples for consideration selected laminates and upholstered leather. Cabin dividers • Starboard aft seating area. together with detailed sketches of the vessel’s interiors added key focal points to smoke boundaries and frosted ” including the passenger spaces, bars, shop, and crew glass panels were also used as area highlights. Customised spaces. Of key importance to Fred.Olsen, S.A. is achieving passenger areas, such as the shop, purser’s office and a high level of visual co-ordination within its fleet and children’s playroom were distinguished to great effect with therefore many ideas were carried over from existing the incorporation of fine finishes in leather and glass.

• Forward seating allowing visibility • Souvenir shopping facilities. • Children’s play room. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ahead for passengers.

14 standard toanewlevel. with therestofFred.Olsen,S.A.fleetbutraisesthat Austal hasresultedinavesselwhichnotonlyco-ordinates team withthesuperbconstructionandoutfittingskillbaseof combining thepassionanddesignflairofMrOlsenhis This thoroughanddetailedapproachtotheinteriordesign new improved seating approved for installation in the vessel. finished seatwasfinallyapprovedbyMrOlsenandthe spentmanyhoursinrefiningthedesignuntil Beurteaux .Withtheaidofdetailedsketches, with Beurteaux new, prototypewasproducedinconjunction modernised, - MrOlsenwishedtoupdatethedesignstandardandsoa attention Seating wasanotherareatoreceiveparticular posts, featurebulkheadsandmullions. onvesselcompression which wereusedtoexcellenteffect such asleatherincombinationwithbabyostrichaccents, Olsen wasalsokeentoincorporateinnovativeproducts incorporating aleatherfinishandspeciallaminates.Mr for thisarea,withanadditionalfocusonexecutiveseats finishesanddetailswereassembled and aseriesofluxury toMrOlsen importance The VIPareawasofparticular • ClasseOrofor VIPpassengers. unrivalled views. features givepassengers • Largebaywindow 15 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

JUNE 2001 JUNE 2002 AUGUST 2002 APRIL 2003

A smaller trimaran was built and tested for Tank testing of the hull form begins Tank Testing Finite Element Model research and development

APRIL 2004 APRIL 2004 JULY 2004 JULY 2004 ”

Construction progress Construction Progress The bow module is moved and attached to the Engines are lifted and fitted into the hull main structure

OCTOBER 2004 NOVEMBER 2004 NOVEMBER 2004 FEBRUARY 2005

MES deployment trials Christening of “Benchijigua Express” Austal holds a staff open day Finishing touches on the interior AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

16 Seatrials commence off thecoastofFremantle, Seatrials commence off Construction progress for ourstaff symbolised anexcitingneweraofshipbuilding The signingofthiscontractinMay2003 MARCH AUGUST MAY 2003 2005 2004 Plate cuttingbegins proud newcrew “Benchijigua Express” ishandedovertothe the bridgesection The mainstructureismovedoutoftheshedtofit APRIL AUGUST AUGUST 2005 2004 200 3 for “Benchijigua Express” Bridge Construction progress APRIL AUGUST FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY section abouttobefitted 2005 2004 leavesWestern Australia form as“BenchijiguaExpress” form The LittoralCombatShip basedonthesamehull Launch of“BenchijiguaExpress” Construction progress THE FUTURE THE SEPTEMBER 2004 MARCH 2004 17 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” ENGINE SELECTION CONTRIBUTED BY MTU

A TOTAL OF 44,000 HORSEPOWER WAS REQUIRED In addition to the main propulsion diesel engines, MTU Development of the 8000 series engine began in 1996, has also supplied the on-board power generation system, with an introduction to the market in September 2000. TO SATISFY THE DESIGN PARAMETERS OF comprising of four 12V 2000M40A series diesel engines. Since that time, 40 engines have been ordered into various “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS”. THE FINAL DECISION WAS The electrical power produced by each unit is 540 kW. A applications ranging from Naval Vessels, Supply Vessels, stand-by power generation system has also been supplied Yachts and of course Fast Ferries. The first engines were MADE BY FRED.OLSEN, S.A. TO EQUIP “BENCHIJIGUA by MTU. The MTU Series 60 engine provides 250 kW commissioned into service in late 2003. of electrical power for this purpose. The entire package EXPRESS” WITH THE MTU 20V8000M70, FOLLOWING The Series 8000 was developed with the fast-ferry market is complimented by a comprehensive service and support in mind, placing an emphasis on the operator. Such AN AGREEMENT TO INCREASE AVAILABLE POWER agreement. features represented by this engine are the robust and yet FROM 8,200 KW TO 9,100 KW DURING THE FIRST The two centre engines of this vessel share a common relatively compact design, low fuel and oil consumption, gearbox in what is called a CODAD (Combined Diesel long maintenance intervals combined with a user-friendly QUARTER OF 2006. TO ACCOMMODATE THIS And Diesel) configuration. MTU has taken responsibility maintenance design, and importantly low exhaust emissions. INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER, PROVISION WAS for the control of these engines in this somewhat The engine crankcase comprises of an extremely stiff design ” technically complex arrangement. The MTU designed and MADE BY AUSTAL WHEN SIZING THE WATERJETS, with a slender 48°V configuration. Integrated charge manufactured electronic control system (RCS/5 DAD / air ducting, thus reducing external pipework, enhances WJ), ensures that the two centre engines, which share the GEARBOXES, SHAFTING AND ASSOCIATED the engine compactness whilst maintaining a cylinder common gearbox, evenly share the load. This is achieved COMPONENTS TO ALLOW FOR A SEAMLESS displacement of 17.37 litres. by a number of reporting mechanisms back to the control A characteristic of MTU Engines is the sequential turbo POWER TRANSITION. system, which adjust the power output of the individual charging system. This technology considerably improves engines accordingly. supercharged engines, enabling a wide performance map with good acceleration. It is also a contributing factor to low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, and essential to meeting IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations. This system of sequential turbocharging enables individual exhaust turbochargers to be utilized as required during engine operation, which is determined by the engine’s power demand. This concept greatly improves the turbocharger, and overall engine efficiency. At rated engine power, the sequential turbocharging system on the 20V8000 series generates a remarkable 2,700kW of aspiration power. MTU first introduced this technology into

• Section of the Hulls showing engine rooms. • The aft engine room containing two MTU 20V8000M70 series production in 1982. In the mean time, it has proven AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS main propulsion diesel engines. its worth in over ten million hours of operation.

18 procedure minimizes thetimeformaintenanceonboard lifted fromtheengineasaunitand replacedasaunit.This that theyareallremovedtogether intheoneprocedure, cylinder head,liner, pistonandconrodaredesignedsuch feature highlightingthisconceptis thePowerUnit.The designed forminimalmaintenancedowntime,andone 20V8000M70, is24,000hrs.Theenginehasbeen The standardTime BetweenOverhauls(TBO)ofthe diagnosis andpreventativemaintenance. trends, parametersforanalysisandalsoassistingwith data fromtheenginesforreviewbyoperator, recording operating datarecorder, MTUAssyst. Assystcollates “Benchijigua Express”isalsoequippedwiththeMTU system, whichcanalsoincludeotherareasoftheship. control andmonitoringsystemoftheentirepropulsion theenginecanbeintegratedinoverall Furthermore, system, anoptimalcontrolofallenginefunctionsispossible. system, MDEC(MTUDieselEngineControl).Usingthis designed andmanufacturedelectronicenginemanagement The 8000seriesiscontrolledandmonitoredbytheMTU class. economy initsperformance basis ofthesevalues,thenewengineattainsbestfuel reducing to190g/kWhatthemostefficientpoint.On fuel consumptionatratedpowerislessthan195g/kWh, minimized throughouttheentirepowerrange.Specific the fuelinjectionprocessensuresthatconsumptionis from theenginemanagementsystem.Optimisationof injection timing,pressureandflowaccordingtoinput the entireenginespeedrange,andcontinuouslyoptimises The systemprovideshighfuelinjectionpressurethroughout ofthisengine. is anotherkeyfactortotheperformance The CommonRailFuelInjectionsystemonthe8000series • TheMTU8000 Seriesdieselenginereadytoinstallation. the vessel,asreplacementpowerunitscanbeprepared work fortheshipbuilder. systems isalsolocatedatthisend,simplifyingtheinstallation withshipboard end oftheengine.Theengineinterface maintenance, suchasfilters,arealllocatedatthenon-drive Elements oftheengine,whichrequireregularminor moduleconcept. vessel duringmaintenanceistheservice which suitstheoperator. Alsoassistingcrewonboardthe toMTUforoverhaulatatime power unitscanbereturned in advanceofscheduledmaintenance,andtheremoved reliable ferry service fortheirpassengers. service reliable ferry operatorsinprovidinga toassistfastferry supported diesel engineshavebeendesigned,manufacturedand operations.TheMTUSeries8000 success offastferry As abusinesspartner, MTUhasavestedinterestinthe reliable business. enhancetheprospectsofaprofitableand life costsfurther Optimisation offuelconsumptionandreducedthrough operator fromthisdesignconceptisconsiderablyreduced. The scopeofworkanddowntimeexperiencedbythe 19 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” ” AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

20 utilises 21st century technologyinsystemsandefficiency.utilises 21stcentury a commercialferry. Theresultisanewclassofvesselthat for andversatilityoftheplatform control, passengercomfort motion A newstandardhasbeingcreatedinhullform, MANOEUVERING. SPEED SLOW AND TRANSIT SPEED HIGH FOR BOTH G OPTIMISED N IS THAT I VESSEL R LANDMARK THIS E FOR SYSTEM V U PROPULSION E INTEGRATED AN O SUPPLY E AND N I N DEVELOP R A A TO M E SELECTED M C BEEN Y HAVE TO O R PROUD - IS S & L L ROLLS-ROYCE O R N Y B O D E T I U B S I R T L N O C U P O R P • “Benchijigua Express” a launch day showing stern and waterjetarrangement “Benchijigua Express” alaunchdayshowingstern T N E M P O L E V E D T C E J O R P were alsotakenintoconsideration. limitations andenvironmentalfactorssuchaswindspeeds conditions,harbour alsohadtobeconsidered.Service term configuration. Increasedpoweroutputavailableinthenear thefinal and commercialanalysismadetodetermine were abasisforanintenseperiodwithdetailedtechnical profile orrouteanalysisprovidedbyFred.Olsen,S.A. availablepoweringoptionsandtheoperating The hullform, closely examined. project whenpoweringoptionsandwater-jetselectionwere Rolls-Royce wasinvolvedwithAustalatanearlystageofthe conditions. increased cavitationmarginsagainstadverseoperating larger numberofbladesaremorelightlyloadedandoffer reduction innoiseandvibrationon-boardthevessel.The The shiftfrom6to7bladesprovidesconsiderable N E applications. originally developedformilitary V E S – N O The impellersonalljetsarethelatestfromKamewabeing I AT R U G S I E F D N A O L C B R E L L E P M I Designpoweris18,200kW down whenenteringport. A centralboosterjetisprovidedforoceantransitandshut on themainhull.Designpoweris9,100kWeach S T E J Two steerableunitsofsize125SII7Barefittedasouterjets R E WAT WA E M A K with theoperationalanddesignobjectives. vessel. Selectionofthisequipmentwasmadetofitprecisely and twinUlsteinAquamasterRetractableThrustersforthis D S N R A E T S S T U Rolls-Royce MarinehasdeliveredtripleKamewaWater Jets E R J H T R E H T U WAT M I E Z C A Y O R - S L L O R maximum efficiency, economyandfunctionality. . A . S Fred.Olsen, S.A.demandedsolutionsthatprovided , N E S L O . D E R F 21 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” MANOEUVRING

The vessel proportions give the operator particular advantages with the platform however different constraints apply to this vessel compared with others necessitating the addition of auxiliary manoeuvring plant.

The design objective was to achieve a vessel with equal or superior manoeuvring to a similar size catamaran.

Use of tunnel thrusters is common on slower vessels however on a vessel that can travel in excess of 40 knots the presence of open tunnels, or elaborate closing plates is to be avoided.

After much discussion, the Rolls-Royce experience with

” azimuth thrusters was utilised and Aquamaster retractable units were proposed.

Compared to tunnel thrusters, the azimuth thruster with • The 180 BII 7B Kamewa central booster jet while • One of the two Ulstein Aquamaster nozzle offers approximately 15% greater thrust for the same still in the factory at Rolls-Royce AB. Retractable Thrusters in the Rolls-Royce power as a tunnel thruster. works in Finland.

The presence of the structural elements of the nozzle provide

a natural platform for mounting a hull closing plate (not S E A T R I A L S shown). The thrusters are mounted in tandem in the vessel All equipment performed as predicted and it was pleasing with opposed starting positions. that the owners noted that the quiet operation of the

INTEGRATED CONTROL AND Aquamaster thrusters was quite different to their experience MANOEUVRING SYSTEM with other lateral thrust devices.

Rolls-Royce delivered a common electronic control system for the water jets and thrusters, greatly simplifying the installation and providing the operator with considerable flexibility to operate each device individually or to integrate them all into one manoeuvring device for harbour or sea transit duty. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

22 HAS BEEN A SUCCESS STORY SINCE 1995. SINCE STORY SUCCESS A BEEN HAS WHICH AUSTAL, AND (GL) LLOYD GERMANISCHER BETWEEN COOPERATION THE IN HIGHLIGHT ANOTHER MARK VESSEL EXCEPTIONAL THIS OF DELIVERY AND TRIALS SUCCESSFUL THE TIME, SAME THE AT DESIGN. NEW COMPLETELY A AS EXPRESS” “BENCHIJIGUA OF DEVELOPMENT THE IN APPROACH NEW A TOOK ALSO SOCIETY CLASSIFICATION THE AUSTAL, AND Y S.A. T OLSEN, FRED. E WITH I CONCERT C IN O TECHNOLOGY. IN S TRAIL NEW A N BLAZING IN O I ROLE PIONEERING A AT ON TAKE C REPEATEDLY CRAFT I S F E I SPEED R I D O HIGH U OF F T S S L OPERATORS L AND S L A A C BUILDERS A U THE D S I N L V G I I C D S N E I D D D D E Y E E O L S H L I I L M TA T I E R T D E P H O C S R LY I H N O G A I M F H R E G Y E B N D E T O U B T I R T S N O E C L I M A Modified panelmodel Original panelmodel There are no internationally validconstructionrulesforhigh- There arenointernationally the ship,widthwasreducedin thisarea. loads causedintheforebodyby the pitchingmovementsof the waveloadswerethencalculated.To reducethewave Together withtherelevantseastate, extremevaluesof hydrodynamic computationswerecreatedinaninitialstep. thesegloballoads,panelmodelsforthe In determining complex seawayprograms. withtheaidof the globalwaveloadswerefirstascertained proven bytesting.Forthedimensioningofshipstructure, development aswellthehydrodynamiccomputations of theexperienceithadgainedwithin-houseresearchand the globalwave-inducedloads.HereGLmadegooduse E WAV L A B of A majorroleintheworkofGLwasdetermination O L G E H S T D A G O N L I N I M R E T E D tight timeframe. a majorcontributiontocompletingtheprojectwithinsuch byGL,made the deploymentofexperiencedHSCsurveyors mainly atAustalinAustralia.Bothmeasures,coupledwith from Austal.Thesubsequentplanapprovaltookplace Australia todiscussthedesignconceptswithengineers fromGLwereonsitein earlystage,experts craft. Atavery frameworkforhighspeed interpreting theexistingregulatory experience ofAustalandGLasintensivelypossiblein toapplythe challenge inseveralrespects.Itwasnecessary and fabricationoftheshipthereforepresentedaspecial speed .FortheClassificationSociety, thedesign individual studies. their highly-optimizeddesignswill stillcallfordetailed a ratherunusualspeciesofship.In theforeseeablefuture, vessels. However, onemayexpectthat multi-hullswillremain such specific constructionruleswillbeneededtoserve newbuildings infuture,thequestionarisesastowhether In viewofpossiblegrowthinthenumbermulti-hull attention. international surprise thatthenewAustaltrimaranhasalreadyattracted purposes.Itthereforecomesas no but alsoformilitary not onlyforpassengerandRo/Rocommercialtraffic and motorvehicles.Theiradvantagesmakethemattractive large deckareaareneededtoaccommodatepassengers slender, fastshipswithagoodseakeepingbehaviourand suitablewherever still inthelimelight.Theyareparticularly have beenbuiltbut,thefastmulti-hulldesignsare A largenumberofhigh-speedmonohullsandcatamarans side hullsliesaftofthemainhull. ofthe definition oftheshiplengthif,asinthiscase,stern For example,thisappliesfortheregulation-conformant can presentachallengewithsuchinnovativeshipdesigns. questions thatatfirstglanceappeartoberelativelysimple torollduringtheevacuationprocedure.Even the shipstarts not beallowedtopasstoocloselythesidehulls,incase is theevacuationofpassengers.Lifeboatsorliferaftsmust agreement withtheIMO.Anotheressentialsafetyaspect in a monohullasfaritsstabilitycriteriaareconcerned, From thesafetyviewpoint,newtrimaranisregardedas forAustal. These measuresprovedactivedesignsupport 23 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS

Length overall: 126.7 metres TANKAGE

Length waterline: 114.8 metres Fuel: 145,000 litres

Beam moulded: 30.4 metres Fresh water: 7000 litres

Hull depth moulded: 8.2 metres Black & grey water: 7000 litres

Hull draft (max): 4.2 metres Lube oil: 2 x 600 litres

Deadweight (max): 1000 tonnes Hydraulic oil: 2 x 600 litres

Crew: 35 Sludge: 1000 litres

Passengers: 1291 PROPULSION Vehicles: 341 cars or Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V 8000; 450 truck lanes metres and 123 cars 8,200kW at 1095rpm each

” Axle loads: 15.0/12.0 tonnes Gearboxes: 2 x Renk ASL65; 1 x Renk ASL 2X80 (dual/single axles) on central lanes Waterjets: 2 x Kamewa 125 SII; 1 Kamewa 180 BII 9.0/12.0 tonnes (dual/single axles) outboard Azimuthing bow thrusters: 2 x Ulstein Aquamaster UL601 1.0 tonnes on forward ramps Generator sets: 4 x MTU 12V 2000 M40, 540 kW each. 0.8 tonnes on mezzanine decks

Vehicle deck clear height (max): 4.60 metres SURVEY

Speed: 40.5 knots, 500 dwt, 32.8 MW Classification: Germanischer Lloyd ✠100A5, HSC-B OC3 with operating RCS High Speed Passenger/Ro-Ro Type ✠MC, AUT. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

24 SOLUTIONS. FINANCING VESSEL CUSTOMISED DEVELOPING IN CLIENTS AUSTAL’S ASSIST CAN THAT INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL INTERNATIONAL OF NUMBER A WITH RELATIONSHIPS N MAINTAINS THAT TEAM G FINANCIAL I S IN-HOUSE AN E ESTABLISHED D HAS AUSTAL DECISION. E V SHIPBUILDING ANY IN I PART MAJOR A PLAYS FINANCE VAT E O C N N N A I N I N F A E R V O I F VAT O N N I total valueofA$870million. having providedfinanceformultiplevesselorderswitha exports ofAustralianhighspeedferry a strongsupporter its qualifyingparameters.OvertheyearsEFIChasbeen projectsthatfallwithin provide financetofacilitateexport mandatedto oftheAustraliangovernment EFIC isanarm Insurance Corporation(EFIC)andABNAMRO. Two Finance inthisprocessweretheExport keypartners structure thatwouldmeettheobjectivesofFred.Olsen,S.A. investors whowouldworkwithAustaltocreateafinancial financial teamatAustalworkedtosourcelendersand operability analysesandstructuraldesignchallenges,the So whilethetechnicalteamswerefocussedontanktests, trimaran design. to designandconstructtheinnovativerevolutionary asitsability finance packagewouldbeequallyasimportant that Austal’s abilitytoprovideaninnovativeandtailored to build“BenchijiguaExpress”Fred.Olsen,S.A.identified Early inthediscussionsthatleadtoeventualcontract

S.A., AustalandEFIC”. the strongrelationshipsbetweenABNAMRO,Fred.Olsen, product rangeandstructuringability. consolidates Itfurther demonstrate thebenefitsofourgeographicreach,financial to “This transactionprovidedanexcellentopportunity structured financeteamsaid: As AndrewLawson,theheadofABNAMRO’s crossborder structure andAustalwithacashsale. tenyearleasepurchase Olsen, S.A.withataxeffective structure aninnovativefinancialpackagethatprovidesFred. Together withABNAMROandEFIC,Austalwasableto finance foranumberofitsclients. has previouslyworkedwithAustaltoprovideshipbuilding including specialisedfinancingforshipping.ABNAMRO provides awiderangeoffinancialproductsandservices, ago ABNAMROtodayoperatesinover60countriesand intheNetherlandsover180years institutions. Formed ABN AMROisoneoftheworld’s largestglobalfinancial 25 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” THE AUSTAL COFFERDAM

DURING THE PRE-CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

AND DISCUSSIONS WITH FRED.OLSEN, S.A., THE

CONCEPT OF PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS

TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THE WATERJETS ON THE

VESSEL WITHOUT DRY DOCKING WAS DISCUSSED.

FRED.OLSEN, S.A. HAD EXPERIENCED DELAYS AND • Cofferdam in position ready for use. • Pneumatic air controls. • The cofferdam pumped dry and in HIGH COSTS WHEN DRY DOCKING HULLS IN THEIR position under the vessel.

CURRENT FAST FERRY FLEET.

Initial studies were directed at investigating a full width position using guides built onto the cofferdam and chain after it has been lifted out of the water. For convenience the

” drydock capable of lifting the aft end of the vessel out blocks that may be attached to brackets located on the cofferdam may be dismantled into smaller sections so that of the water, however the final selected design was a hulls. A diver is used to check that the seals have not been storage issues are reduced. submergable cofferdam that would fit underneath the aft end dislodged during the flooding operation. Pneumatic air is The Austal cofferdam for “Benchijigua Express” provides a of the centre hull. then used to force water out of the ballast tanks. The water cost effective and fast alternative to dry docking the vessel. remaining in the well of the cofferdam is pumped out using The cofferdam was designed to the precise shape of the The cofferdam design, design loads and construction were a submersible pump. Once the ballast tanks are pumped aft end of the vessel’s underbody, with a labyrinth seal inspected and supervised by Germanischer Lloyd. arrangement providing the watertight connection between dry the cofferdam provides about 200 tonnes of uplift the hull and the inside of the cofferdam. against the vessel’s hull and this uplift provides the sealing force on the labyrinth seal arrangement. The well of the The cofferdam has a number of floodable ballast tanks cofferdam is also fitted with a small submersible bilge pump located in its walls and cross structure which allow the which is designed to take care of any minor leaks that may complete unit to be submerged below the aft end of the occur through the seals. centre hull. The amount of water in each ballast tank is controlled by pneumatically operated flooding valves. Once in place under the vessel it is possible for a person The pneumatic controls for the ballast tanks are located to climb down into the cofferdam and to walk forward centrally in a raised control station. Pneumatic air and access any of the three waterjet sea intakes or either of the electrical power is supplied by the vessel’s onboard supply. two rudders. Alternatively if it is necessary to inspect the aft section of the drive shaft in the waterjet, this is now possible The cofferdam is manoeuvred into position behind the centre without slipping the vessel. hull of the trimaran prior to being flooded down. Once the cofferdam has been flooded it can be manoeuvred into Removing the cofferdam is the reverse of the above AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS procedure. The cofferdam is designed to be stored ashore

26 PROVIDE AN INCOME FOR THE PROVINCES. PROVINCES. THE FOR INCOME AN PROVIDE FISHING DEEP-SEA AND AGRICULTURE ALTHOUGH BY PRIMARILY DRIVEN IS ECONOMY ISLANDS CANARY THE TODAY ANNUALLY. TOURISTS MILLION 10 ABOUT ATTRACTING N SUNSHINE AND O SEAS I BLUE BEACHES, T SANDY WITH C CLIMATE FINE E A N HAVE N ISLANDS THE SPAIN. O OF C PROVINCES TWO UP S MAKING OCEAN D ATLANIC NORTH N THE IN A ISLANDS L OF S GROUP A I COMPRISE ISLANDS CANARY THE Y R . A A N . A S C , E N H E T S L & O . D E R F Gomerans. in prosperityandamemorablechangetothelivesof enabledanimmediateimprovement other islandstheservice isolatedfromthe in thearchipelago,andatthattimevery Los Cristianos(). Forthisisland,oneofthesmallest ofSanSebastiándeLaGomeraand between theports totakethename“Benchijigua”commencedservice ferry Gomera,S.A.,andonJuly8ofthatyearthefirst Ferry people ofLaGomerathatFred.OlsenSnr. established It wasin1974afteranumberofpetitionsfromthe services. and ferry agency, agriculturaldevelopment,touristpromotionactivities only throughshippingbutdevelopedtoincludea Islands.Initiallythiswas business relationswiththeCanary In 1904theFredOlsenfamilyestablishedtradeand in1848. Fred. Olsen&Co.wasfoundedinNorway speed ferries. itsfleetofconventionalferriesintohigh decided toconvert Once fastferrieswerecommerciallyoperativethecompany forpassengersandcargo. acombinedservice to offer Islandsbetweenthenearestpointsand connect theCanary From thebeginningcompany’s philosophyhasbeento andculture. restaurant industry also hasawidevarietyofinterestsinthehoteltrade, 150,000 trucksperyear. Atthesametimecompany 2,700,000 passengers,400,000cars,andmorethan leading thepassengerandcargomarketwithmorethan Today thecompanyoperatesfiveroutesinislands 27 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” This landmark was achieved in 1999 with acquisition of the company’s first high speed ferry, “Bonanza Express”, an 96 metre wave piercing catamaran, which inaugurated a 1 hour service between and Agaete, Gran Canaria.

“Bonanza Express” was followed by two further 96 metre Incat wave piercing catamarans that allowed the company to also offer a 30 minute service between San Sebastián de and Los Cristianos, Tenerife.

In December 2002, Fred. Olsen, S.A. contracted Austal to construct a vessel to operate between the islands ” of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura with capacity for 450 passengers and 69 cars or 110 lane metres of trucks plus 37 cars at a speed in excess of 30 knots. In November 2003 the vessel “Bocayna Express” was delivered.

• Drawing of “Benchijigua Express” by Mercedes Kerch Morales, age 10, winning entry used for the cover of the 2005 calendar for Fred.Olsen, S.A. and Austal. AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

28 TIONS N O I AT R E P O Cana r r e i H l E a r e m o G a L m l a P a L V y r alverde o FRED.OLSEN,S.A. Other ferr operations Other Express” FRED.OLSEN,S.A. “Benchijigua FRED.OLSEN,S.A. San Sebastian San de la Gomera la de Santa Cruz de la de Cruz Santa Island a T e f i r e n e Los Christianos Los s Atlantic Ocea Atlantic y operations y Santa Cruz de Tenerife de Cruz Santa Agaete a i r a n a C n a r G de Gran Canaria Gran de Palmas Las r e u F n 0 0 a r u t n e v e t r a z n a L 50 kilometres 50 a z n a r g e l A a s o i c a r G 50 miles 50 e t o Puer to del Rosario del to Arrecife The Canar The y Islands y r o M o c c o n i a p S Africa 29 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” 30 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” TIONS N O I AT SHIP. CLASS C SURFACE I HIGH-SPEED L NEW P NAVY’S US THE P FOR TEAM A DYNAMICS GENERAL THE IN N BUILDER A AND DESIGNER R VESSEL THE A IS AUSTAL M I R T E R U T U F The LCSwillrelyheavilyonmannedandunmanned Very shallowdrafttoallowoperationsinlittoralregions. • Very lowcoremanningforallshipnavigation, • Top speedinexcessof40knots. • Modularpayloadwithrapidchangeovercapabilityto • following: Some ofthekeycharacteristicsLCSinclude distances andremainonstationforextendedperiods. while alsobeingabletoindependentlydeployoverlong to assureaccessthelittoral(nearshore)environment range ofjointmissions,withreconfigurablemissionmodules awide deployed inrelativelylargenumberstosupport (vessel)thatcanbe The goalistodeliveraplatform terrorist boats. craftincluding againstsmallsurface particularly warfare, andsurface detection/elimination, anti-submarinewarfare mine fast, highlymanoeuvrableandgearedtosupporting to operateincoastalareasworldwide,theshipwillbe N O US Navy’s I plantoaddressasymmetricthreats.Intended AT M R O F N I The LittoralCombatShip(LCS)isakeyelementofthe D N U O R G K C A B engineering andself-defencefunctions. and technology. reconfigure inresponsetochangesmission,threat, extraction missions. or intercept operationsoverthehorizon, orforinsertion avoid/prosecute asmallboator submarine threat,conduct to and high-speedsprints,whichmaybenecessary littoral missionoperations,transitateconomicalspeeds, The LCSmustbecapableofoperatingatlowspeedsfor controlsystemsandself-defencesystems. concepts, smart propulsion,optimalmanning C4ISR1 systems,hullform, technologically advancedweapons,sensors,datafusion, vehicles toexecuteassignedmissionsandwillemploy • 127metreLittoralCombatShipdesignforUSNavy. L A S O P O R P M A E T Austal’s S innovative,high-speed trimarandesign. C L S C I M A The GeneralDynamics Team’s N LCSdesignisbasedupon Y D L A R E N E G Products, ElectricBoatandGeneral DynamicsCanada. andTechnical Systems,Armament Advanced Information Systems andfourotherGeneralDynamics companies: GrummanElectronic Applied PhysicsCorporation,Northrop Other Team membersincludeCAE,BAE Systems,Maritime trimaran platform. Austal takesthekeyroleofdesignerandbuilder M A E T teaminwhich prime contractorandleadsaninternational S C L S C I M A Bath IronWorks, aGeneral Dynamicscompany, isthe N Y D L A R E N E G equipment transport. • Mult-roledesignforhighspeed troopand

coastal defence, and high-speed logistics support programs. coastal defence, andhigh-speedlogisticssupport navy,a widevarietyofotherdomesticand international The trimaran’s characteristicsalsomakeitapplicableto concurrentandsimultaneous operationoftwo Supports • Hugeinteriorvolumedeliversenhancedmission • Morepayloadpertonneofdisplacementthanany • Shallowdraftallowsoperationsneartheshore. • Incorporationofstealthtechnologiesincreasesshipand • systemsenableover- Open-architectureinformation • severalmissionssimultaneously. Capableofsupporting • Dynamics Team include: Key characteristicsoftheshipproposedbyGeneral requirements. provide anoptimalsolutionfortheUSNavy’s LCS requirements, other modificationstoaddressmilitary-specific trimaran, coupledwithmodularmissionpackagesand payload capacity, andmanoeuvringcharacteristicsofthe The flexibility, speed,endurance,volume,seakeeping, 40 sailorstofullyoperate,maintainanddefendit. knots. Theshipisdesignedtoallowacrewoffewerthan diesel enginestoreachsustainablespeedsinexcessof40 in aluminiumandpoweredbytwogasturbine The 127metrelong,31.6widetrimaranwillbebuilt large (H-60)helicopters. capabilities andendurance. previous USwarship. crew survivability. tactical picture. networking andcoordinatedair, andundersea surface andreconnaissance,global the-horizon surveillance 31 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” • 50 metre Trimaran ”

• 76 metre Trimaran AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS

32 • 126metreTrimaran • 100metreTrimaran 33 AUSTAL AUTO EXPRESS 127 “BENCHIJIGUA EXPRESS ” AUSTAL TRIMARAN TECHNOLOGY

• GREATER PASSENGER APPEAL – A MORE COMFORTABLE RIDE, MORE OFTEN

• BETTER SERVICE RELIABILITY – MORE OPERATING DAYS AND FEWER DELAYS

• LOW OPERATING COSTS – BURN LESS FUEL THAN ALTERNATIVE HULLFORMS

• NEW OPPORTUNITIES – OPERATE WHEN AND WHERE OTHER FAST SHIPS CANNOT

• DEPENDABLE – DEVELOPED, DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE EXPERTS

• FEWER COMPROMISES – ENHANCED SEAKEEPING NO LONGER DEPENDS ON SIZE

• MEETING YOUR NEEDS – SUITABLE FOR A RANGE OF VESSEL SIZES AND TYPES

• THE DISCERNING CHOICE – CHOSEN BY LEADING COMMERCIAL AND DEFENCE OPERATORS

AUSTAL 100 CLARENCE BEACH ROAD, HENDERSON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6166 TELEPHONE: (+618) 9410 1111 FACSIMILE: (+618) 9410 2564 EMAIL: [email protected] WWW.AUSTAL.COM