According to reliable information, HSC HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-THUNDER, TURGUT OZAL) will enter service on the Piraeus–Samos route on 23 July. According to Hellenic Seaways’ plans, the vessel will complete the crossing in 5 hours and 50 minutes, significantly reducing the journey time.
Built by Austal in Australia in 1998, the vessel can carry 1,068 passengers and 210 cars. She has a service speed of 36 knots.
Photo: Hellenic Seaways
It has been reported that during a recent press meeting, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, Chairman and Managing Director of ONEX Group, disclosed that by the end of May, ONEX and Attica Group will finalize a contract for constructing a new 100-meter-long passenger-vehicle ferry at the Elefsina Shipyards. This vessel will possess dual-fuel capabilities, likely running on methanol, and will adhere to the Blue Star philosophy but with a more contemporary and advanced design developed by a Greek firm. This ferry is designated for intra-Cycladic routes and marks the first new vessel to be built in Greek shipyards in 17 years.
Progress on the HSC Highspeed 3 (formerly known as Boraq) refit at Perama Repair Zone is proceeding rapidly. The ship, acquired through a tender from Moroccan Intershipping on June 27, 2023, arrived in Greece in October of the same year. Since then, it has been undergoing an extensive refit to likely prepare it for a new role, potentially with AML, in the Western Mediterranean.
Belonging to the renowned Austal Auto Express 72 class, the vessel was originally constructed in 2000 for Minoan Flying Dolphins and served in Greek Coastal Shipping until 2010. With a capacity for 700 passengers and 70 cars, it boasts a cruising speed of 35 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
