New Austal ferry for Greece

Greek ferry passengers this summer are now even more likely to travel on an Austal built ferry following the soon to be introduced ?Highspeed 5? for Hellenic Seaways (formerly Hellas Flying Dolphins) that was handed over today by the West Australian shipyard.

Hellenic Seaways is Greece?s largest domestic ferry operator, transporting approximately 6 million passengers, 200,000 trucks and 800,000 cars every year. The newbuilding will bring the total number of vessels in the Hellenic Seaways fleet to 34.

In keeping with the stern-to mooring style commonly used in Greece, the vessel has been customised to provide separate passenger and vehicle loading ramps. The bi-fold ramps enable loading and unloading onto a low landing stage and the ferry will be equipped with high-speed anchor winches and mooring winches to allow for efficient berthing.

The new vessel is a sistership to the 92 metre ?Highspeed 4? capable of travelling in excess of 40 knots and has three classes of seating (VIP, business and economy) each with its own bar and facilities. With capacity for 154 cars (or four coaches and 131 cars) and 809 passengers, the vessel has a number sophisticated facilities including disabled persons access (including a lift) in compliance with EU regulations and crew accommodation for 26.

Interestingly, eight especially designed dog kennels have been provided based on a special Presidential Decree allowing their transport on a high-speed ferry. Built in differing sizes for optimum comfort each kennel has a vacuum sanitary connection plumbed to the vessel?s black water system.

In addition to this delivery, Austal is currently building high-speed catamaran ferries for Virtu Ferries (Malta), Hawaii Superferry (USA) and two for L?Express des Iles (Guadeloupe).