Lisbon will introduce nine new low-wash fast ferries over the next two years. The new vessels are in response to an increase in ferry commuters and an outdated ferry service currently operating in the city’s waterways. Sociedade Fluvial de Transportes S.A. (Soflusa) has ordered seven 49 meter passenger-only ferries to operate between Sul e Sueste terminal and Barreiro in Lisbon. Each of the Damen Fast Ferry 4912 catamaran vessels will carry up to 600 passengers and four crew at a service speed of 25 knots. Damen Shipyards in Singapore will build the ferries, with the first scheduled for delivery in early 2003, and the seventh early 2004. In addition, two low-wash river ferries were delivered to Portugal early in 2002 and are operating successfully in waterways of Lisbon.
