Austal Cat to Assist Haitian Relief

Austal Cat to Assist Haitian Relief

The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that Austal-designed and built 113 metre high speed catamaran “Huakai” is being sent to Haiti to assist with relief efforts. Completed in 2009 for Hawaii Superferry, the vessel can transport people, vehicles and other cargo at speeds of up to 40 knots. The catamaran’s usefulness in the humanitarian effort is also greatly enhanced by its shallow draft and large loading ramp. The 20 metre stern quarter, bi-fold ramp enables the ship to be loaded and unloaded without relying on shore-side facilities such as port cranes, which are not in use following the earthquake.

While no details have been released regarding the intended use of “Huakai”, the ship may serve as a link between Haiti and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba or Miami. This would enable frequent, high speed transportation of relief supplies into Haiti and facilitate transfer of personnel to and from the country. Depending on the length of the trip, the catamaran can carry nearly 800 tonnes per voyage. The vessel will be crewed by Hornblower Marine Services personnel.

The involvement of “Huakai” in Haitian relief efforts is the latest demonstration of large high speed, shallow draft aluminium catamarans assisting with humanitarian support. Austal’s 101 metre “WestPac Express” has operated as a high speed theatre support vessel with the US Marines for the past nine years, and provided important humanitarian support during the 2004 Asian Tsunami.