June 15, 1976 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News

Hovermarine Announces First Sale To Japan

Hovermarine Transport Limited, the Southampton, Englandbased manufacturers of the HM.2 Mark III Hoverferry, has announced the first sale of their 65-passenger craft in Japan. Hovermarine decided more than two years ago to mount an extensive marketing effort in the Far East, with particular emphasis on Japan.

During this period, it became evident that a major problem would be the securing of approval to operate from the Japanese Government Ministry of Transport - Marine Department.

The stringency of their requirements was such that it was necessary to devise a whole new series of trials in order to satisfy the Japanese Government authorities.

These included complete hull bend deflection tests which were carried out recently at the Woolston Plant and observed by representatives of the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. The company was pleased to prove that the craft would meet the standard required.

H.T.L. expects to deliver the first craft to Japan in August this year and this craft will, of course, embody all of the specific design modifications needed to meet local needs. Hovermarine is confident that this first sale will be the forerunner of many sales to that particular area, since the whole of the Japanese marine market is geared toward highspeed, high-density transport, and Hovermarine has established that their craft are well-suited for this need. This sale follows the announcement of other significant contracts recently announced by Hovermarine in the Far East, including four craft to the Philippines and a fifth craft to the world's largest ferry company, the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Group. To date, this brings total sales of the HM.2 to over 40 craft to 16 countries.

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