Macau, China, 13 March – Australian company Austal Ships is to build 10 catamarans for the Venetian Macau Hotel/Casino, which will be used for links between Hong Kong and the Pac On sea terminal, which is currently under construction on Taipa Island, the company said.

According to Austal Ship’s website, each catamaran is 48 meters long and can hold up to 411 passengers and travel at a top speed of 42 knots.

The new catamarans, each of which has two decks, have an executive class and electronic check in for them can be carried out in the hotel.

The catamarans are due to be delivered between 2007 and 2008.

The company has already built 36 catamarans, which are currently running routes in China and Hong Kong.

The Austal Ships website said that it was also building two 47-meter catamarans for New World First Ferry (Macau).

New World First Ferry carries out links between Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong and Macau. (macauhub)