Aulong Shipbuilding, a joint venture company formed by Austal Limited and Guandong Jianglong Shipbuilding of Zhuhai, China, has won the first ferry contract to build a 42 metre high speed aluminium ferry for Chinese mainland operator Blue Sea Jet.
Less than two months after the announcement of the joint venture, the company has been awarded the AUD 10 million (USD 7.6 million) contract to design and build the ferry, which will be able to carry up to 288 passengers on the Zhuhai – Hong Kong route.
The company would launch the construction of the vessel in October 2016 at Jianglong Shipbuilding’s established facilities in Guangdong province, with delivery scheduled for October 2017.
The vessel would be based on Austal’s design which optimises performance and fuel efficiency, according to the company.
Aulong Shipbuilding was established in June 2016 with the aim of pursuing commercial passenger and non-military vessel opportunities in mainland China. Jianglong Shipbuilding holds a 60% stake in the company, while Austal holds the remaining share.