Product Description


Westpac Express
Westpac Express is an Austal built HSV that has provided extensive logistic support to military and humanitarian operations while chartered to the United States Military Sealift Command (MSC).
- Length: 101.4 m
- Beam: 26.65 m
- Capacity: 970 persons + 26 crew
- Max speed: 36 knots
- Built: 2001
Description
Westpac Express is an Austal built HSV that has provided extensive logistic support to military and humanitarian operations while chartered to the United States Military Sealift Command (MSC). Westpac Express has primarily supported the Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) by transporting personnel, vehicles and equipment between Okinawa, Japan and other ports in the Asia Pacific region.
Westpac Express can operate at speeds of 36 knots (66 km/h) at 90% MCR and it has the capability to deliver up to 970 troops plus 550 tonnes of additional cargo in a single load. In comparison, it would require 14 to 17 airlift sorties to transport the same volume of troops and cargo. Westpac Express transports nearly all equipment in the USMC inventory with the exception of M1-A1 tanks, CH-53 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Westpac Express was contracted in 2001 to provide a time and cost efficient alternative to more traditional strategic airlift transport when deploying US Marines from Okinawa. Prior to the Westpac Express contract, III MEF were operating more than 200 flights per year from Kadena Air Base in support of off island exercises. The versatility of Westpac Express became fully apparent during the initial in-service trial period where it significantly decreased the road travel of military vehicles by embarking / disembarking Marines much closer to their bases and training grounds. It also saved an estimated 276 C-17 cargo plane sorties. Importantly for local communities, the introduction of Westpac Express has decreased aircraft noise levels and significantly reduced military traffic on already congested roads.
The high on call availability, rapid response ability, economic operation, long range and high payload capabilities have seen Westpac Express at the forefront of United States military sealift and humanitarian relief operations in the Asia Pacific region. In a testament to the success of Westpac Express, it has remained on charter to MSC since 2001, including multiple charter extensions.
A 101 metre sistership to Westpac Express operates as a large high speed commercial ferry. Indeed, prior to being contracted to MSC, Austal envisaged that Westpac Express would operate as a commercial high speed ferry in Europe
PROVEN PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY
The high on call availability, rapid response ability, economic operation, long range and high payload capabilities have seen Westpac Express at the forefront of United States military sealift and humanitarian relief operations in the Asia Pacific region. In a testament to the success of Westpac Express, it has remained on charter to MSC since 2001, including multiple charter extensions.
Specification
NAME | WESTPAC EXPRESS (HSV-4676) |
Availability | Currently on charter to US Military Sealift Command |
Builder | Austal |
Class | GL +100 A5 HSC-Passenger B, Ro-Ro Type OC3 |
Flag | United States |
IMO | 9243227 |
Call Sign | WDB5285 |
Year Built | July 2001 |
Dry dock | Annually in accordance with USMC requirements |
PRINCIPLE DIMENSIONS | |
Overall Length (m)l | 101.40 |
Length Waterline (m) | 86.50 |
Beam (m) | 26.65 |
Draft (m) | 4.30 |
Gross tonnage | 8,403 |
Displacement (t) | 2,111 |
PERFORMANCE | |
Speed | Loitering up 36 knots |
Range | 2,927 nautical miles @ 20 knots |
Ballast | 2,182 nautical miles @ 20 knots |
Laden | 1,240 nautical miles @ 33 knots |
Consumption | 5.3 tonnes/hour |
CAPACITY | |
Accommodation: | 970 persons/26 crew |
Cargo and Vehicle deck capacity | |
Area (m2): 2,490 | |
Clear Height (m): Centre 4.6 to 5.1 | |
Clear Height (m): Side 2.7 | |
Clear Height (m): Mezzanine 2.0 | |
Deck Strength (tonnes per axle): Centre 12 to 15.0 | |
Deck Strength (tonnes per axle): Side 3.0 | |
Deck Strength (tonnes per axle): Mezzanine 1.2 | |
MACHINERY | |
Main Engine Make/Power | 4 x Caterpillar 3618 @ 7,200kW @ 1050 RPM |
Gearbox | 4 x Reintjes VLJ 6831 |
Generator Make/Power/RPM | 4 x CAT 3408C / 320kW @ 60Hz |
Waterjets | 4 x KaMeWa 125 SII |
Other: | Aft Interceptors |
T-Max Rudders and Forward Ride Control Fins |
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