Fincantieri to build ferry pair

Evidence that the market for fast conventional ferries continues to grow is provided by an order placed with Fincantieri?s Castellamare di Stabia shipyard to build a pair of ships for Tirrenia di Navigazione.

The 35,500 gross vessels will be employed on the route between Sardinia and Genoa. Although Tirrenia had been seeking subsidies towards the cost of the newbuildings, the owner has stated that no subsidies will be made available.

The vessels will be 214m overall with a 26m beam, and will carry 900 cars and 2,200 passengers in a mix of 274 cabins and 800 reclinable seats, 300 of which will be in first class accommodation. They are due to be delivered in June 2001 and early 2002, respectively.