13 June 2005

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RODRIQUEZ CANTIERI NAVALI DO BRASIL LAUNCHES THE FIRST 52 METER DOUBLE ENDED CATAMARAN

Rodriquez Cantieri Navali do Brasil SpA, the Brazilian yard of the Rodriquez Group, has launched the first of seven double ended catamarans under construction for Barcas SA in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

On June 13, 2005, Rodriquez Cantieri Navali do Brasil launched the first of seven 52 meter Double Ended CityCats under construction in Niteroi near Rio De Janeiro. This catamaran will operate on the Rio de Janeiro – Niteroi route. She is completely made in aluminum and has a maximum capacity of 1200 passengers, 900 seating and 300 standing. This catamaran is equipped with twin pod type propulsors with two variable pitch propellers with 360° rotation to maximize maneuverability and at the same time reach a speed of 18 knots, suitable for the three mile distance from Rio to Niteroi.

Rodriquez Cantieri Navali do Brasil was founded in Rio de Janeiro by Rodriquez Cantieri Navali after the signing of a contract for the construction of ten aluminum catamarans with Barcas SA. This contract stipulated that the construction be in Brasil and hence this new yard was established in Niteroi and opened in August 2003. There are ten catamarans under construction, three CityCat 29’s (29 meter LOA, 25 knots and 230 passengers) and seven CityCat 52DE’s as described above.