IZAR Races Ahead With New Transmed Ferry
Testament to the Spanish state-owned group's determination to raise performance throughout the organization, IZAR is on track to deliver a high-grade RoRo passenger ferry only 20 months after contract signing. The launch of the 6,300-dwt Murillo a month ahead of schedule has also underscored the latent scope of the shipyard at Seville, where a substantial upgrading and modernization program has been set in motion. Earlier concerns over work continuity at the premises, Spain's furthest inland shipbuilding facility, have been allayed by the decision to entrust Astillero Sevilla with the production of 70 double-bottom blocks for LNG carriers to be constructed by other yards within the group.
Great Ships of 2001 -- Sorolla
Marking an important stage in the regeneration of the RoRo ferry route network maintained by Compania Trasmediterranea, last spring's delivery of the 28,275-gt RoPax Sorolla strengthened the state-owned firm's position in the Balearics trade. Imbuing both a higher degree of service quality and operational flexibility in an increasingly competitive segment of the Mediterranean market, Sorolla was built at the Vigo yard of Hijos de J.Barreras. She underscored the emergence of the Galician shipbuilder as a growing force in RoRo construction. Privatized in 1998 through its sale by the erstwhile Astilleros Españoles (now encapsulated in IZAR) to a group of Spanish maritime and industrial interests, Barreras also supplied blueprints for sistership Fortuny to IZAR's Puerto Real yard.
