Superfast Ferries: Growing at Superfast Pace

By Kevin Oates

Prologue
Superfast Ferries Maritime SA (hereinafter “Superfast”) brought to the Adriatic ferry business a new philosophy. The elements of success were speed, comfort and safety at affordable prices. To achieve these aims newbuild fast ferries were constructed of novel design. From the onset of the first two ferries linking Patras in Greece to Ancona in Italy in 1995 success was rapid. The ferries, which had been on these routes for decades, became antiquated and the whole structure of the industry changed. Superfast rapidly won market share and the concept had taken hold. In 1998 two further vessels were delivered and a second route linking Patras, Igoumenitsa and Bari was inaugurated. Again success was rapid.

A subsequent investment by Attica Enterprises SA (hereinafter “Attica”), the stock listed owning company of Superfast, has been to acquire 50% of Strintzis Lines, a major competitor on the Adriatic routes and a major player in Greek domestic routes. And Superfast has a huge investment programme of 10 more ferries with an option for two more.

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