Austal Vietnam launches new steel 71-metre RORO passenger cargo vessel - Dory 2 for the Degage Group

Austal Vietnam has successfully launched Hull 426, “Dory 2”, a 71-metre roll-on/roll-off (RORO) passenger cargo vessel for The Degage Group of French Polynesia, marking another important milestone in Austal’s expanding global steel shipbuilding capability. Featuring a steel monohull and aluminium superstructure, Dory 2 has been purpose-designed for inter-island operations and will accommodate up to 140 passengers and 17 crew. The vessel includes a 494 square metre cargo deck, capable of transporting containers, palletised freight and vehicles, providing a highly flexible logistics solution for the region. With a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 1,000 nautical miles, Dory 2 is optimised for reliable, efficient service between Papeete and the Palliser Islands, supporting essential transport and supply chain connectivity across French Polynesia. “This is a proud moment for our team in Vietnam and a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication shown throughout the build so far. Successfully launching Dory 2 reflects the growing capability of our shipyard and the strength of our partnership with The Degage Group" - Mark Pleiter, Vice President - Austal Vietnam. The project highlights Austal Vietnam’s evolution as a multi-material shipbuilder, with the yard now delivering both aluminium and increasingly complex steel vessels. This progression reflects the strength, flexibility and growing expertise of Austal’s global shipbuilding network. Dory 2 also reinforces Austal’s strategic focus on expanding its steel shipbuilding capability into key growth markets, including: Next-Generation ROPAX — low-carbon 50–120 metre vessels integrating electric and hydrogen propulsion systems to support the maritime energy transition. Offshore Energy — Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) engineered for evolving offshore wind and energy sector requirements. Sustainable Sailing Cargo — combining traditional wind-assist technologies with modern steel construction to deliver high-capacity, eco-friendly cargo vessels. The Degage Group is a long-standing Austal customer, and this latest project builds on a strong partnership that has seen Austal design and construct multiple vessels for their fleet, including cruise ships and high-speed ferries such as the 66 metre Apetahi Express, delivered in 2023. Upon completion, Dory 2 will undergo final outfitting, harbour and sea trials ahead of delivery to The Degage Group, where it will play a vital role in supporting sustainable and efficient inter-island transport operations. Read the media release about the launch here - https://bit.ly/417yRjG