en.Wedoany.com Reported - Foreship, a ship architecture and marine engineering company under the RINA Group, has developed a new ferry concept tailored to the operational and economic needs of the Greek domestic market.

Greece's ferry network is one of the largest in Europe, connecting over 200 inhabited islands and transporting approximately 50 million passengers annually. At the same time, operators face a highly constrained environment, dealing with significant seasonal fluctuations, regulated fares, increasing operational cost pressures, and the need to renew an aging fleet.

Ari Huttunen, Chief Consultant for Ship Design and Engineering Projects at Foreship, stated: "This new vessel concept was developed to address the specific challenges of the Greek market, with a focus on optimizing both capital and operational expenditures. The design integrates all essential functions required for safe and reliable operation, avoiding unnecessary complexity to create a robust and economically sustainable vessel."

At the core of the concept are its operational characteristics. While speed has historically been a defining factor in the Greek ferry industry, the new design is optimized for more moderate speeds, thereby significantly improving fuel efficiency and overall operational profitability.

The vessel is also designed in accordance with the latest regulatory developments, including updated stability requirements that are reshaping ferry design across Europe and influencing aspects such as dimensions and passenger capacity. These changes were considered early in the design process, ensuring the concept aligns with the evolving regulatory framework.