Incat Vessels To Debut With Ventouris

Incat, the Austalian-based builder of high speed craft which recently linked with Bollinger Shipyards to build its wave-piercing catamarans in the U.S., recently announced that Greek operator Ventouris Ferries will enter into the high speed ferry industry through a long term charter of two 256-ft. wavepiercing catamarans. Both craft will operate on the 122 nautical miles route between Igoumenitsa, Greece - Corfu, Greece - Brindisi, Italy. The vessels, built as Stena Sea Lynx II (033) and Cat-Link 1 (035) will be renamed Thundercat I and Thundercat II respectively. In preparation for her new career 033 returned to Hobart for a major mechanical overhaul while 035 proceeded direct to Greece from Charleston, USA. During the summer season Ventouris Ferries will offer up to three daily high speed departures from both Italy and Greece. In addition, from July onwards Ventouris will also incorporate a regular service to Paxi, Albania. The new high-speed service complements seven conventional ferries operated by Ventouris on routes between Greece, Italy and Albania. The Thundercat I and Thundercat II can carry up to 600 passengers and 150 cars and they will offer a three-hour service between Greece and Italy.