Australian shipbuilder Austal has received an AUD 68 million (USD 52.6 million) contract to design and build a trimaran ferry for JR Kyushu Jet Ferry of Japan.

Construction of the vessel will commence in late 2018, with services scheduled to begin prior to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

Once delivered, the 83-metre ferry will service JR Kyushu’s route between Fukuoka, Japan and Busan, South Korea. The trimaran will have a capacity for 502 passengers and an operational speed of 37 knots.

The deal comes on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached between the parties on December 8, 2017.

“Austal’s unique trimaran hull design has truly revolutionised the commercial and defence vessel markets. This is the first high-speed trimaran ferry we have placed in to Japan and we are delighted to be partnered with JR Kyushu Jet Ferry on this prestigious route,” Ben Marland, Austal Vice President Sales and Marketing, said.