Damen to build ferries for Istanbul

As part of a major fleet expansion programme, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in Turkey has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Gorinchem for the construction of 5 new “Sea Buses”.

The catamaran ferries will be of the Damen Fast Ferry 4212 design, with a capacity of 449 passengers on two decks. Operated by IDO, the Sea Buses will provide reliable and comfortable transportation for commuters and tourists around the city of Istanbul and on the Marmara Sea.

The contract was awarded following a fiercely contested bidding procedure, in which Damen submitted a fully compliant proposal with the lowest price offer. All 5 ferries will be built at Damen Shipyards Singapore and will be another major series construction project, which follows the 9 vessels recently delivered to Soflusa in Lisbon, Portugal.