Austal Limited is pleased to announce the awarding of a second high speed passenger ferry contract to Aulong Shipbuilding, a joint venture company formed by Austal Limited and Guandong Jianglong Shipbuilding of Zhuhai, China.

Aulong has been awarded a A$5.6 million (¥30 million) contract to design and build a 35 metre high speed catamaran for Chinese mainland ferry operator, Blue Sea Jet.

Announcing the contract in Australia, Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the company’s strong reputation has again secured export business for Austal’s Australian based design team.

"Our Aulong joint venture is a great example of how effective technology transfer is developing our export business, with Austal’s extensive commercial portfolio attracting existing and new customers in mainland China," Mr Singleton said.

"These contracts in China are creating additional opportunities for our Australian based design and production teams who support the construction of vessels in-country.

"Our shipbuilding team’s expertise and capability continues to grow here in Australia as we win new commercial contracts in China and throughout the world." Mr Singleton added.

The new, all-aluminium ferry will carry up to 260 passengers at speeds in excess of 26 knots.

Construction will commence from Aulong’s Zhongshan shipyard in Guandong Province in September 2017, following the launch of the joint ventures’ first vessel construction; a 42 metre passenger ferry also for Blue Sea Jet, later this month.