Greek Ferries: The New Business Model
The ultra competitive Greek ferry market has not only proven to be a fertile breeding ground for advanced marine technology, it has served as a role model for the direction of shipping services in both the region and the world. The Greek market has provided the collective builders and suppliers of advanced fast and conventional ferries a rich environment for business over the past few months, a trend that seems likely to continue. Specifically, Greek owners and operators have been at the forefront of an international buying binge for large, fast passenger, vehicle and cargo carrying craft. Driven by the need for speed, many owners are turning to advances in marine electronic and propulsion systems to ensure that the multi-million dollar investments are kept running safe and efficient.
Flender Werft Awarded Superfast Ferries Contract
Flender Werft Aktiengesellschaft has signed a contract with the Greek shipowner Superfast Ferries Maritime S.A., which is a subsidiary of Attica Enterprises S.A. This $192.4 million contract calls for the construction of two technologically driven Superfast car/passenger ferries. The agreement also allows Superfast to exercise the option for the building of two more ships to be delivered at a later date. Known as the yard's hull numbers 682 and 683, the two ferries will be named Superfast XI and Superfast XII, are scheduled for delivery in January 2002 and May 2002, respectively. Measuring 656 ft. (200 m) with a breadth of 82 ft. (25 m) and a draught of 21 ft. (6.4 m), the vessels' four main engines will attain a service speed of more than 28.5 knots.
