Corsica Ferries has revived its long-awaited RoPax newbuilding programme, with tenders now underway. The project, first unveiled in 2018 for the company’s 50th anniversary but shelved during the pandemic, has been reworked by NAOS Ship & Boat Design.
The new “Bastia-max” class is designed for Bastia port flexibility. Key specifications are: length 180 metres, capacity for 500 cars, 500 cabins and 2,200 passengers. Options for a second and third unit are also included.
Potential builders in China are Guangzhou Shipyard International (CSSC), China Merchants Industry, Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) and Wuhu Shipyard.
Corsica Ferries, controlled by Pierre Mattei, currently owns 11 ferries: the RoRo ROSA DEI VENTI (on long-term charter to Grendi), and ten RoPax units including PASCAL LOTA (2008), MEGA EXPRESS (2001), MEGA EXPRESS TWO (2001), MEGA EXPRESS THREE (2001), MEGA EXPRESS FOUR (1995), MEGA EXPRESS FIVE (1993), MEGA ANDREA (1986), MEGA SMERALDA (1985), MEGA REGINA (1985) and MEGA VICTORIA (1988).