Foreship unveils RoRo ferry concept tailored to Greek ferry market

Foreship, part of the RINA Group, has developed a new roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry design concept tailored to the operational and commercial requirements of the Greek ferry market.

The concept focuses on energy efficiency, design simplicity and cost control. Greece operates one of Europe’s largest ferry networks, connecting more than 200 inhabited islands and carrying around 50 million passengers annually.

At the same time, ferry operators face a challenging business environment, balancing highly seasonal demand, regulated fares, rising operating costs and the need to renew an ageing fleet.

Ari Huttunen, Marine Design & Engineering Projects Principal Consultant at Foreship, said: “This concept was developed in response to the specific challenges of the Greek market, with the aim of optimising both capital investment and operating costs. The design incorporates all the essential features required for safe and reliable operation while avoiding unnecessary complexity. The result is a robust and commercially viable vessel.”

A key element of the concept is the vessel’s operating profile. While high speed has traditionally been a defining characteristic of Greek ferries, the new design has been optimised to operate at lower speeds, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

The vessel has been designed to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, including enhanced stability standards that are reshaping passenger RoRo ferry design across Europe and affecting factors such as vessel dimensions and passenger capacity.

These regulatory changes have been incorporated from the earliest stages of the design process, ensuring the concept remains fully aligned with the evolving regulatory framework.

By adapting the design to the realities of the Greek ferry market—including cost pressures, demanding peak-season operations and the need for reliable and practical vessels—the new concept is intended to provide a benchmark for future fleet renewal.