Austhai Marine unveiled the AT40 on October 5, 2026, introducing a 12.99 metre twin outboard catamaran designed from the ground up for commercial marine tourism operators. Owned by Group Island Spirit and based in Rayong, Thailand, the builder opened early operator reservations for 2027 build slots following the completion of the concept study.
Did You Know? Austhai Marine brings more than 20 years of experience building commercial catamarans, having delivered over 100 power catamarans to customers across more than 12 countries.
Three Configurations Built on One Shared Hull
The AT40 utilizes a single 12.99 metre hull that comes in three distinct layouts tailored for specific commercial duties. The AT40 Dive carries 20 divers in a standard day boat configuration, or 12 divers in a technical layout featuring wider seating and centreline racking for up to three tanks per individual diver. The AT40 Ferry seats up to 42 passengers with weather protection in either an open layout for scenic routes or a fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin for premium routes and evening services. Meanwhile, the AT40 Resort Transfer accommodates 20 guests with 2.00 metres of headroom, offering VIP enclosed layouts that can match a specific resort’s design.
Commercial operators have historically faced a narrow set of choices when purchasing vessels, often having to pick between converted pleasure craft, low-cost copies, or European custom builds priced at two to three times the cost of everything else. Group Island Spirit Chief Operating Officer Ron Patston noted that the AT40 was engineered specifically to fill this market gap by targeting daily operational needs. The vessel’s wide catamaran platform supports a fully loaded cruising speed of 22 knots and a maximum speed of 25 knots while carrying approximately 6,000 kg of passengers, crew, kit, and fuel.
Dive deck features solve operational challenges
The layout of the AT40 Dive addresses common operational challenges faced by dive boat operators on a daily basis. More than 30 centreline tank racks keep the side decks clear while allowing divers to kit up directly in their seats. The stern incorporates an integrated structure that functions simultaneously as a dock gangway, a dive ladder descending 1.5 metres below the waterline, and an A-frame crane capable of recovering an incapacitated diver.
Additional guest amenities include port and starboard freshwater shower bays, a dedicated camera rinse table, and window-side seating for surface intervals. A light draft of 0.68 metres allows the vessel to reach shallow reef anchorages that are inaccessible to deeper vessels. Each hull is constructed at Austhai’s ISO-certified facility using vinyl ester resin, a PVC core, and vacuum-infused E-glass to meet CE and ISO small craft standards.
Commercial operators secure early reservation terms
Reservation terms are currently available for commercial operators seeking early access before the design freeze takes effect. Mould tooling for the AT40 series is scheduled to begin in February 2027, with the first two hulls entering the production phase by June 2027. Official launch events and sea trials are planned for August through September 2027.
Austhai Marine General Manager Lee Bright emphasized that early engagement allows fleet managers to directly influence final specifications. Regional delivery to markets including Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Maldives will be supported by established after-sales support across Asia. Group Island Spirit maintains its head office in the USA alongside operations in Thailand, encompassing Austhai Marine, Island Spirit catamarans, Island Spirit Yacht Charter, and Island Spirit Sailing School.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three available configurations of the AT40?
The AT40 shares a single 12.99 metre hull configured into a dedicated dive boat, a passenger ferry seating up to 42 guests, and a premium resort transfer vessel carrying 20 guests.
When will the first AT40 hulls begin production?
Mould tooling for the AT40 series is scheduled to begin in February 2027, with the first two hulls entering the production phase by June 2027.
What performance specifications does the AT40 deliver when fully loaded?
The catamaran is designed to cruise at 22 knots and reach a maximum speed of 25 knots while carrying approximately 6,000 kg of passengers, crew, kit, and fuel.
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