By GENIVI FACTAO

Aboitiz owned shipbuilder, FBMA Marine Inc. is set to deliver this October a $20 million 58-meter aluminum catamaran to New Caledonia’s SAS Sudiles.

Officials of SAS are now in the country to look at the vehicle ferry being built at FBMA’s Balamban, Cebu yard.

The aluminum catamaran with top speed of 33 knots was designed by BMT Nigel Gee Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd.

The delegation from the New Caledonia government is headed by Alain Descombels, member of the parliament and president of the Commission on Economic Development

According to Christian Neuzeret, director of SAS Sudiles they chose FBMA over an Australian shipbuilder because of the ship’s quality and design.

He said the French embassy in the Philippines told them to consider FBMA.

He said Sudiles’ prime requirement is to have a fuel-efficient vessel, safe and provide passenger comfort in the often-rough seas of the South Pacific.

"We have a 9-year old fast ferry built by the Australian shipyard. We plan to sell this ship" Neuzeret said adding that they are also in the market for two more vessels.

Samuel Hnepeune, director of SODIL said the new catamaran will link the different islands in New Caledonia.

"The new vessel that can carry 350 passengers will initially operate from the Suod to des Iles Loyalte," said Hnepeune.

The ferry can also accommodate 15 tons of cargo.

BMT’s hull design was been developed from the highly successful ModCAT hull form used initially for SeaFighter, a 73m Catamaran for the US Navy.

Craig Patrick of FBMA Marine said; " This new catamaran design pushes back conventional boundaries and provides the operator with a more fuel efficient platform with excellent seakeeping capabilities. We look forward to working with SAS Sudiles and continuing to meet all their vessel requirements. We are also very pleased to be partnering with BMT and look forward to a successful association, drawing on our considerable experience of building aluminum and steel catamarans and other craft here in Cebu."