The world's largest catamaran ferry built by Filipinos is now sailing towards Denmark as it makes its maiden voyage from Cebu.
Made by Austal Philippines, Express 5 already embarked on its first trip to Rønne, Denmark after being commissioned by prominent Danish shipping company Molslinjen.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the 115-meter high-speed ferry is set to redefine travel between Ystad in Sweden and Rønne, the largest town in the Danish island of Bornholm.
Philippine Ambassador to Denmark Leo Herrera-Lim said the delivery of the high-speed ferry to Denmark—the second one to be built by Filipinos—"signifies the country's growing expertise and capability in constructing world-class vessels at competitive rates."
"This affirms the strong partnership between the Philippines and Denmark, marking a significant milestone in the 77th year of its friendly relations," Herrera-Lim said.
Described by DFA as "a remarkable feat of engineering," Express 5 can accommodate up to 1,610 passengers and around 450 cars at a time.
It features a full bistro and bar, a children's play area, and multiple audio-visual screens.
Valued at 83.63 million euros, the vessel is set to make a significant impact on tourism and connectivity for the island of Bornholm as it will increase passenger capacity and car volume by more than 35 percent.
"With the arrival of Express 5, travelers can look forward to a more comfortable and unforgettable journey across the Baltic Sea," the DFA said.