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March 30, 2026 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. Mark Pleiter, Vice President - Austal Vietnam: "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." 
Image of Dory 2, a 71-metre roll-on/roll-off (RORO) passenger cargo vessel for The Degage Group of French Polynesia, after a successful launch in March 2026. © Copyright 2026 Austal. 
Image of the Austal Vietnam team alongside Dory 2 ahead of the vessel's successful launch in March 2026. © Copyright 2026 Austal.
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. Austal press release 
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