Dory 2 is the seventh ship Austal has delivered to the Degage Group since 2003 and follows the 66–metre Apetahi Express, handed over in 2023. Dory 2 is purpose-designed for operations between Papeete and the Palliser Islands,

Austal Vietnam has handed over its first aluminium and steel vessel, the 71–metre roll on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) cargo vessel, Dory 2, to the Degage Group of French Polynesia. With a steel monohull and aluminium superstructure, Dory 2 confirms Austal Vietnam as a multi–material shipbuilder and highlights Austal’s expanding regional steel shipbuilding capabilities

A handover ceremony 

A handover ceremony took place at Austal’s Vung Tau shipyard on 15 June 2026, following the successful completion of comprehensive sea trials, and reflects the long partnership between Austal and the Degage Group. Dory 2, designed by Austal Australia, began construction in 2024 and was launched in March 2026.

The skills of the Austal Vietnam team

Mark Pleiter, Vice President of Austal Vietnam, said the delivery reflects the shipyard's evolving technical capability and the dedication, resilience and teamwork of its workforce. He added, “The skills, professionalism and work ethic of the Austal Vietnam team have been key to our success”. We remain very grateful to the Degage Group for its ongoing trust in Austal and our capabilities in custom vessel design, construction, and sustainment.' 

The cargo vessel, Dory 2,

Dory 2 is the seventh ship Austal has delivered to the Degage Group since 2003 and follows the 66–metre Apetahi Express, handed over in 2023. Dory 2 is purpose-designed for operations between Papeete and the Palliser Islands, French Polynesia. Capable of accommodating up to 140 seated passengers and 17 crew, the unique vessel has a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 1,000 nautical miles. Dory 2 features a 494 square metre cargo deck for containers, palletised freight and vehicles, and with a load capacity of 1,400 tonnes, will provide a vital transport and supply chain link between the islands once in service.

The highly anticipated new vessel will join our fleet.

Degage Group owner and Managing Director, Eugene Degage, said the new vessel is a highly anticipated and welcome addition to the company’s fleet.“We are delighted to welcome Dory 2 into the Degage fleet and congratulate Austal on another successful collaboration,” Mr Degage said, “From design to delivery, the construction process has been characterised by Austal’s commitment to excellence and innovation.”

About: Austal Vietnam

Austal Vietnam is a specialised shipbuilding facility located in Vũng Tàu City, Vietnam. Established in 2018, it is a subsidiary of the global Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited. The shipyard focuses on constructing and sustaining high-speed aluminium vessels—such as passenger ferries, RoPax ferries, and utility craft—for commercial and military operators worldwide

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