The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has announced the transfer of the ex-Hawaiian superferries to the U.S. Navy, finally recouping a fraction of the money that the U.S. government (and tax payers) paid out after Hawaii Superferries defaulted on loans that MARAD had guaranteed. MARAD said in a statement that the two high speed vessels, the Huakai and … [Read more...]
Former Hawaii Superferries hit the auction block
Former Hawaii Superferries ALAKAI and HUAKAI have been put up for sale by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Marad had owned the vessels since purchasing them from Hawaii Superferry, LLC in 2010. Hawaii Superferry operations were suspended in March 2009 when an exception to a state law allowing the ferry service to operate without a complete environmental impact … [Read more...]
Austal High-Speed Ferries Impress at Sea Trials
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago's 41 meter Austal-designed and built high speed passenger ferries have achieved outstanding performance on recent sea trials. Designed to carry 405 passengers at speeds of more than 37 knots, the aluminum vessels are intended to help reduce road congestion in Trinidad and Tobago by establishing a water taxi service between San Fernando and … [Read more...]
High-speed catamarans may be based in Hawaii
This is a computer rendering of the joint high-speed vessel built by Austal, builder of the two Hawaii Superferry ships. Photo via: Austal Ships/Honolulu Advertiser By William Cole Advertiser Military Writer The Army said it plans to look at the environmental impact of basing up to three "joint high-speed vessels" in Pearl Harbor — speedy craft capable of carrying … [Read more...]
Hawaii Superferry – A look back
No matter what side of the debate you are on over the Hawaii Superferry, you have to admit that it has been interesting to watch as its legal and environmental battles have been shared over headline news. In March of this year, the Ferry was forced to suspend service while awaiting completion of the environmental study. Most recently Hawaii Superferry, Inc., which filed … [Read more...]