AISTER bags $4.3M contract to build an aluminium catamaran for Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

This image has been sourced from “https://aister.com/en/"

Galician shipyard AISTER has secured a contract to build an all-aluminium passenger catamaran, “Jeune France II”, for the French territorial community of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, with delivery scheduled for September 2027. The vessel will replace the existing “Jeune France” operating between Saint-Pierre and Langlade Island.

The project, valued at nearly EUR 4 million (USD 4.3 million), centres on a 22.5-metre-long catamaran with a 7.5-metre beam. Designed for a full-load displacement of 75 tonnes, it will accommodate up to 100 passengers.

A key design challenge stems from the limited port infrastructure on Langlade Island. To address this, the vessel will feature beach-landing capability, allowing the bow to make controlled contact with the seabed. A hydraulic bow ramp is also included to enable passenger disembarkation and the transport of light vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

For forward-thinking aluminium market insights amidst supply chain and price challenges, read "ALuminium LeaderSpeak 2026."

The propulsion system combines two 368 kW diesel engines compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards and an electric drive. This parallel hybrid configuration is expected to support low-emission operations, with electric mode enabling silent, zero-emission manoeuvring in port and at low speeds. The vessel’s service speed is projected at 12 knots.

Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics

Construction and outfitting will be carried out entirely at AISTER’s Moaña facility. The contract reflects continued demand for aluminium vessels in niche transport environments, particularly where operational flexibility and lower emissions are required.