POSITIONING FOR THE UPTICK
The move by Austal is the latest in a string
of maneuvers by international fast ferry builders and designers
to position themselves (see table below) for the anticipated uptick
in ordering activity in the North American fast ferry market.
CROWTHER DESIGNS ARE LICENSED TO SEVERAL U.S. YARDS
| Technology Transfer Partnerships | |
| Bay Ship & Yacht | Crowther Multihulls |
| Catamaran Ferries International | INCAT Designs-Sydney |
| Dakota Creek Industries | AMD |
| Derecktor Shipyard | Nigel Gee |
| Freeport Shipbuilding | AMD |
| Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding | INCAT Designs-Sydney |
| Gulf Craft | Crowther Multihulls |
| Friede Goldman Halter | Bazan |
| Kvichak Marine | Crowther Multihulls |
| Nichols Brothers Boat Builders | INCAT Designs-Sydney |
| Swiftships | Rodriquez |
| Vancouver Shipyards/Bellingham Bay | Kvaerner Fjellstrand |
Italy's Rodriquez Shipyard, for instance, has licensed its fast
ferry designs to Switftships, Inc., Morgan City, La. Swiftships'
contract manager A.J. Blanchard says the company is in discussions
about building an aluminum hulled high speed ferry for an undisclosed
owner.
Meanwhile, the U.K.'s FBM may be looking for a new U.S. licensee, following the closure of Pequot River Shipworks, New London, Conn.