Completed in 2009 for Hawaii Superferry, the vessel can transport people, vehicles and other cargo at speeds of up to 40 knots.
The catamaran's usefulness in the humanitarian effort is enhanced by its shallow draft and large loading ramp.
Depending on the length of the trip, the catamaran can carry nearly 800 tonnes per voyage.
Currently based in Virginia, the vessel is one of five MARAD controlled ships being mobilised for Haiti relief and will be crewed by Hornblower Marine Services personnel.
The involvement of "Huakai" in Haitian relief efforts is the latest demonstration of large high-speed, shallow-draft aluminium catamarans assisting with humanitarian support.
Austal's 101-metre "WestPac Express" has operated as a high-speed theatre support vessel with the US Marines for the past nine years, and provided humanitarian support during the 2004 Asian Tsunami.
In late 2008, Austal was contracted by the US Department of Defense to build up to ten 103-metre Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSVs), which will be used by the US Army and Navy to assist with humanitarian relief operations and other activities requiring rapid intra-theatre deployment/transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies, supporting military logistics and sustainment.
Construction of the first JHSV "Fortitude" is currently underway at Austal's US facilities.