New ferry for Australia launched at Philippines shipyard

New ferry for Australia launched at Philippines shipyard

FBMA Marine Inc, shipbuilders based in Cebu, Philippines have just launched hull 1023 – SEASCAPE 1 - a 50m all aluminium Ropax ferry for the new South Australian operator Sea SA..

SEA SCAPE 1 will replace the existing vessel SEAWAY – built by FBMA in 2003– on the new South Australian route crossing between Wallaroo and Lucky bay on the Spencer Gulf.

The vessel is designed by the naval architects company Sea Transport Solutions in Queensland who developed their well proven catamaran designs to meet the route and infrastructure requirements in South Australia. Using an innovative all aluminum design this new vessel will provide the operator with an efficient modern ferry for the 6 daily crossings.

Sea Scape 1 continues FBMA Marine success in constructing aluminum and steel vessels for the Australian ferry market. Speaking at the launch – managing director of FBMA Marine – Mr. Doug Border stated that Sea Scape 1 further underlines the high quality of shipbuilding skills available in the Philippines. He added that this innovative vessel design has also attracted serious interest from other operators who are keen to maximize their capital expenditure along with lower operational costs.

Mr. Border added "this vessel is the successful outcome of teamwork and partnership between the operator, designer and shipyard" and wished them every success in it its operation.

SEA SCAPE 1 will now undergo a series of sea trails before commencing her approx 5000 mile delivery voyage to the Spencer Gulf in Australia.

Sea SA operates ferry services across the Spencer Gulf, between Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula and Lucky Bay (near Cowell) on the Eyre Peninsula.

FBMA Marine is an experienced builder of steel and aluminum vessel based in Cebu, Philippines. FBMA have supplied a range of vessel to clients worldwide – including recently a large Ropax ferry for Holland, 2 ropax ferries for Australia and 2 hi tech SWATH crew vessels for Lockheed Martin.

Vessel Specifications:
Hull Length 50.6m
Beam 16.5m
Draft – Loaded 1.6m
Speed 18 knots
Passangers 300
Cars 65
Trucks 4
Speed 18 knots

Internet links:
1) www.seasa.com.au
2) www.seatransport.com
3) www.fbma.com.ph