Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2024

110 Justin Merrigan looks at the latest newbuild orders and deliveries in the global ferry industry The recent surge in new ferry orders shows no signs of slowing down, with the latest contracts for two additional Stena RoRo E-Flexer vessels from China’s CMI Jinling (Weihai) shipyard. Scheduled for delivery to Attica Group in 2027, these ships will operate in the Adriatic Sea under longterm charters, with options to purchase and to acquire two more vessels. Speaking about the order, Attica Group CEO Panos Dikaios emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation over the past three decades through the design and construction of new vessels. “The Superfast series transformed the Adriatic ferry market in terms of quality and speed, while the sister ships, Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star Delos, greatly enhanced the travel experience on Aegean Sea routes,” he says. “Our latest additions, the three state-of-the-art Aero Highspeed ferries, have already made a significant impact on visitor numbers to the Saronic Islands. “Our agreement with Stena RoRo for these two advanced vessels sets new benchmarks for the Greek ferry industry. It significantly reduces our environmental impact, elevates the travel experience, and effectively addresses future challenges.” These vessels are the fourteenth and fifteenth in Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series, which represent a significant evolution in ferry transportation. Tailored for diverse European routes, the vessels’ flexible design can be adapted to specific operational needs and accommodate growing passenger demand while providing ample cargo space, a crucial advantage for operators facing fluctuating market conditions. Another Stena RoRo E-Flexer, Ala’suinu, made its debut in the Marine Innovative and sustainable FERRY ORDER BOOK Attica Group has ordered two new E-Flexers from Stena RoRo for its routes in Greece Photo: Attica Group

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