MITSUI Engineering and Shipbuilding of Japan has agreed with NQEA Australia, the Queensland-based builder of aluminium high-speed craft, on the production in Australia of a Mitsui-designed semi-submerged catamaran (SSC).
The vessel comprises two torpedo-shaped lower hulls to take up most of the displacement, plus an upper structure.
The hulls are joined by streamlined struts, producing a unique form that gives the craft a minimum water-plane area so it is less affected by waves.
The automatically controlled fin-stabiliser installed on each side of the craft helps reduce the pitching and rolling motion.
The result is unmatched stability to ensure a comfortable ride at high speed even in rough seas.
So far, Mitsui has built 13 SSCs.
