[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Austal Vietnam Delivers First Steel-Aluminium Hybrid Vessel

Published: Jun 23, 2026 17:59

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Austal Vietnam has delivered its first vessel combining steel and aluminium construction, handing over the 71-metre roll-on/roll-off passenger and cargo ferry Dory 2 to French Polynesian operator Degage Group. Built at Austal’s Vung Tau shipyard, the vessel features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, marking the company’s expansion beyond its traditional focus on all-aluminium shipbuilding. Construction began in 2024, with delivery completed on June 15, 2026, following successful sea trials. Designed for routes between Papeete and the Palliser Islands, the ferry can accommodate 140 passengers, 17 crew members and carry up to 1,400 tonnes of cargo. The vessel’s 494-square-metre cargo deck is designed for containers, vehicles and palletised freight. The project highlights the growing adoption of steel-aluminium hybrid designs, which combine structural strength with lightweight advantages to improve vessel efficiency and operational performance.

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