Aulong wins first ferry contract

Aulong Shipbuilding has been awarded its first ferry contract, a AU$10 million (US$7.5 million) deal to provide a high-speed ferry for Chinese mainland operator, Blue Sea Jet.

Aulong is a joint venture between Australian builder Austal and Guandong Jianglong Shipbuilding of Zhuhai, China, announced in June.

The new contract will see Aulong Shipbuilding design and build a 42-metre high-speed aluminium ferry, based on an Austal design.

The design provides for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort and will carry up to 288 passengers between Zhuhai and Hong Kong, at speeds in excess of 36 knots.

Construction of the vessel is anticipated to commence in October 2016, with delivery scheduled for October 2017.