Η Attica Group (SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS), member of the group Marfin Investment Group, announced the signing of an agreement with the shipyard Brødrene Aa of Norway for the construction of three state-of-the-art Aero Catamaran vessels which will be operated on the Argosaronikos, replacing the group's older technology ships on these destinations. The total cost of the investment amounts to EUR 21 million and will be covered by equity and bank loans.
The construction of the three new vessels will start immediately after the signing of the loan agreement and the delivery of the vessels is expected within the first quarter of 2022. The new, state-of-the-art and modern ships have been designed with innovative features that fully upgrade the services offered, providing the more than 3,000,000 passengers who travel annually on the Argosaronikos routes with a new and unique travel experience.
At the same time, by launching them will increase capacity for the Argosaronic destinations and reduce travel time, thus creating the conditions for the further economic development of the islands and local communities. The vessels will have a maximum speed of 34 knots, an overall length of 36 metres, a width of 9.7 metres and a carrying capacity of 150 passengers, while the interior layout and the innovative design in general aim to offer the passenger a high level of comfort and services.
Indicatively:- Comfortable travel even in high wave conditions, ensured by innovations in both the hull and navigation systems, - Spacious passenger accommodation with large windows for full views and plenty of natural light, - Digital facilities for continuous communication during the journey, - Luggage storage above the seats and in specially designed areas, - Special care for passengers with limited mobility, - Space for the transport of bicycles, - High-quality spaces for the transport of pets.
The investment in Aero Catamaran ships is a key contribution to the reduction of the environmental footprint and the gradual transition to a greener and more competitive economy, through, among other things, low fuel consumption and reduced air emissions due to lighter ship construction material (carbon fibre) and the installation of solar panels, which will cover the lighting and power supply needs of the ships' hotel services.
