Austal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with JR Kyushu Jet Ferry to develop a new trimaran passenger ferry.
To be deployed on JR Kyushu Jet Ferry's South Korea to Japan route, the high-speed, 80-metre trimaran will be based on Austal's trimaran hull form.
Its interior will be developed by Japanese designer, Eiji Mitooka of Don Design.
The MoU signifies their intention to move towards a contract for the design, manufacture and delivery of a vessel with a 500-passenger capacity and top speed of 38 knots early in 2018.
JR Kyushu Jet Ferry is part of the Kyushu Railway Company.
