MOBILE, Ala. -- The largest aluminum catamaran built in the US launched from Austal USA's Mobile shipyard on Monday, a milestone that the shipyard feels "further strengthens (its) experience in advanced aluminum vessels over 100 meters in length."The 113-meter high-speed ferry is the second of two vessels built in a $190 million deal with commercial client Hawaii Superferry Inc., which operates the first Austal-built vessel in the Hawaiian Islands.
Like the original vessel, it is designed to carry 866 passengers and 282 cars. It is six meters longer than the first vessel, thanks to a ramp that makes it suitable for military use.Hawai`i Supferry Inc. has said it plans to operate the vessel commercially.It is scheduled to start service in May 2009.
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