Izar confirms Algerian ferry negotiations

Izar has confirmed it is negotiating with Algerian shipowner ENTMV for a share of a contract to construct two 2,900 dwt roro passenger ferries. The two-ship order is subject to a Development Aid Fund loan from the Spanish government to Algeria. The plan is to build one vessel at Izar?s yard in Seville. The other likely beneficiary of the contract is the Hijos de Barreras yard in Vigo, Spain. The ferries will have an overall length of 145m, a breadth of 24m and a draught of 6m. They will have a carrying capacity of 1,300 passengers and 300 cars (or 42 lorries). The first ferry is scheduled for delivery 24 months after a contract is signed. The second will follow two months later. Both ferries will operate between Marseille, France and the Algerian capital, Alger, with a stopover in Alicante, Spain. Izar?s Seville yard has just launched a 24,000g ferry for Spanish operator Trasmediterranea. The ship is scheduled for delivery in June next year.