ABA Launches First International Vessel

Aluminum Boats Australia’s (ABA) latest vessel, for Chinese Owners, was launched at a ceremony at the shipyard on Thursday 23 September. The vessel was named Carrie by Miss Madeline Whitewood, daughter of ABA’s Roy and Karen Whitewood. Also present for the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the bow of the vessel was Pan Hengli, Vice President, Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd, the Hon. Paul Lucas, Queensland Deputy Premier and Queensland government’s Special Trade Representative to China, the Hon. Steve Bredhauer.

The Carrie is a crew transfer catamaran for the Papua New Guinea mine operations of the China Metallurgical Group Corporation-sponsored Ramu NiCo. With capacity for 52 passengers plus two crew the 62.3-ft craft will operate at a service speed of 22 knots with a full load deadweight of 6.95 tonnes.

ABA Marketing & International Sales Manager, Justin Merrigan, commented, “The Carrie marks an important order from China, being ABA’s first foray into Asia with a highly professional customer with whom we have great hopes for a long and fruitful working relationship.”

The vessel is due for delivery in November and will sail to Madang Port from Brisbane under her own power.

Principal Particulars:
Built    Aluminium Boats Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Design     One2three Naval Architects
Length    62.3 ft
Beam, moulded    20.3 ft
Draught, loaded    5.2 ft
Main engines    2 x CAT C18 diesel engines
Transmission    2 x ZF
Propellers    2 x fixed pitch 5-bladed propellers
Speed    22 knots service
Passengers & crew    54
Survey    Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) 1C