GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım
Foreship, the design and engineering brand of the international classification society RINA, has developed a new ferry concept for Greece's domestic island transportation. The design prioritizes fuel efficiency, low emissions, operational reliability, and capital cost control over high speed. This approach distinctly departs from the 'speed first' mentality that has dominated the Greek ferry market for many years.
An Efficiency-Focused Approach Over High Speed
Traditionally, high cruising speed has been considered a key competitive factor on Greek domestic routes. However, Foreship's new concept is optimized for more moderate speeds. This choice significantly reduces fuel consumption, increases fuel efficiency, and makes the vessel more resilient to fluctuations in fuel prices. Ultimately, this lowers the operating cost per voyage for shipowners and strengthens the economic sustainability of island routes.
Technical Specifications of the Concept Ferry
Key conceptual values of the Ro-Pax (passenger and vehicle) type design are as follows:
| Feature | Concept Value |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Ro-Pax Ferry (passenger + vehicle) |
| Length | 120 – 140 meters |
| Width | 20 – 22 meters |
| Passenger Capacity | 500 – 800 passengers |
| Vehicle Capacity | 80 – 120 vehicles (including trucks) |
| Cruising Speed | 14 – 16 knots (optimized) |
| Engine Type | Diesel / Diesel-Electric options |
| Design Focus | Fuel efficiency, low operating cost, easy maintenance |
Note: The stated values are from the concept stage and may change according to final construction specifications.
Simplicity: Lower Construction and Maintenance Costs
The technical rationale behind the project is to eliminate unnecessary complexity. Foreship has included only the functions essential for safe and regular operation in the design. This simplicity facilitates maintenance, reduces construction costs, and increases the predictability of operations on island routes. A simple yet robust vessel means fewer breakdowns and faster maintenance, leading to a higher return on investment for the shipowner.
New European Stability Rules Accounted for Early On
New European stability requirements, which directly affect the size, internal layout, and passenger capacity of ferries, have become a decisive part of the design. Considering these standards at an early stage of the project reduces the risk of costly changes later on and makes the concept much more ready for practical application in the Greek market.
About Foreship and RINA
Established in 2002, Foreship is a company specializing in ship design and engineering, and is now part of the RINA classification society. Founded in 1861, RINA is a global classification, certification, and engineering organization with over 150 years of experience, operating in more than 70 countries.
For ferry routes between Turkey and Greece and transportation options to the Greek islands, you can review our Turkey - Greek Islands Ferry Guide.