At the beginning of July 2024, Attica Group announced an agreement with Stena RoRo for the chartering with an option to purchase two new E-Flexer ships, which will be built at the Cmi Jinling Weihai shipyard in China. Measuring 240 meters in length, these vessels will be the largest RoPax ships ever ordered by a Greek shipping company.
The new ships, capable of accommodating up to 1,500 passengers and offering 3,320 linear meters, will be able to transport approximately two hundred cargo units, including private vehicles, industrial vehicles, and trailers. This capacity will significantly increase the transport volume on Adriatic routes, meeting the growing mobility and freight transport needs in the region.
One of the key features of these ships is their readiness for methanol use and the presence of the Battery notation, indicating engines capable of operating with three different types of fuel. This flexible design aims to meet future energy needs and ensure environmental sustainability. The ships are equipped with fuel consumption optimization technology and a range of technical features that will contribute to reducing Attica Group's greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to the ships currently in use.
The agreement stipulates that Stena RoRo will build the two ships on behalf of Attica Group with a bareboat charter contract lasting ten years, including a purchase option starting from the fifth year of charter. The delivery of the ships is scheduled for April and August 2027. This will allow Attica Group to reorganize its fleet, retire older ships, and reduce the average age of the fleet, further improving environmental sustainability. The innovative design of the ships results from the collaboration between Stena RoRo and Attica teams, based on the E-Flexer model known for its environmental efficiency.
Panos Dikaios, CEO of Attica Group, commented: "For three decades, Attica Group has innovated through the design and construction of new ships like the Superfast series, which redefined connections on Adriatic routes in terms of quality and speed, and the twin ships Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star Delos, which enhanced the travel experience on Aegean Sea routes. The latest addition of the state-of-the-art Aero Highspeed has already significantly contributed to increasing visitor numbers to the Saronic Gulf islands. Our agreement with Stena RoRo for the chartering of two cutting-edge new ships sets new standards for the entire Greek ferry industry, drastically reduces our environmental footprint, redefines the travel experience, and dynamically responds to the challenges of tomorrow."
