Austal Philippines, a key player in the global shipbuilding industry, said Monday it secured a contract to construct a 32-meter catamaran for Rottnest Fast Ferries.
The milestone comes as the company celebrates its 12th year of operations at West Cebu Estate (WCE).
The advanced aluminium vessel, designed by Australian firm Incat Crowther, will be built in Austal’s world-class shipyard at WCE.
Set to accommodate 400 passengers and a five-member crew, the catamaran includes ample cargo space for bicycles and baggage, powered by two 1029kW MAN D2862 diesel engines, delivering speeds of up to 25 knots for a comfortable and efficient journey.
Austal Philippines’ growth within WCE highlights the estate’s robust industrial ecosystem, which provides a comprehensive suite of infrastructure essential for sustained operational success.
Businesses like Austal benefit from reliable power, water, telecommunications and construction services at WCE, seamlessly integrated to support high-level production demands.
WCE is also home to a skilled local workforce, ensuring the steady supply of talent required to keep pace with operational needs.
The estate’s dedicated seaport optimizes logistics, enabling efficient goods movement, while regulatory services—including a one-stop-shop for PEZA and Bureau of Customs support—streamline processes for all locators.
Since its establishment at WCE in 2012, Austal Philippines has delivered 21 vessels to 12 clients across 11 countries, underscoring its stature in global shipbuilding.
Austal expanded into drydocking and ship repair services in 2022, broadening its value proposition and reinforcing WCE’s role as a leading hub for advanced maritime operations.
West Cebu Estate emerged as a cornerstone of Cebu’s industrial and economic landscape. Established in 1992, the estate now hosts 12 key locators from medium to heavy industries, including globally recognized shipbuilders like Tsuneishi Heavy Industries of Japan, Advanced Catamaran Composites of the USA and Cebu Marine Industry Inc. of Taiwan.
WCE directly generated over 14,000 jobs and attracted more than P32 billion in investments, reinforcing its contribution to the national economy. The estate’s locators exported goods valued at over $545 million in 2023.
