SuperFast boost for HDW…

Further expansion plans have been announced by Greece`s Attica Enterprises, which operates a passenger/vehicle ferry service between Greece and Italy. The company is set to double its fleet with a newbuilding order for a quartet of SuperFast roro passenger ferries at Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft in Germany. The newbuildings are valued at a total of $450 million and will be delivered during 2000 and 2001. The investment is financed by Attica`s own funds and by bank loans by the German bank Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau.

The contract is a significant coup for the German yard which recently marked its return to passenger ship construction with the cruise ship Deutschland. Attica`s commitment to new tonnage is further reflected by the fact that the contract includes an option for a further two vessels. Completion dates have not yet been specified for the options.

The latest quartet ordered will be able to accommodate 1,500 passengers and approximately 1,000 vehicles.