Australian fast-ferry specialist Austal has secured a newbuilding contract for a 66-metre, high-speed catamaran in a deal worth €20.5m ($24m).

Work on the ferry, which has been ordered by repeat customer the Degage Group of French Polynesia, is due to start immediately with delivery set for early 2023.

The vessel, which will be built at Austal’s facility in Vietnam, will accommodate up to 574 passengers with 80 extra seats on a sun deck.