With an investment of 150 million dollars, the ferry was built at a shipyard in New Zealand. However, all internal infrastructure, such as seats, carpets, roof covering and different amenities, was completed in Montevideo. It offers four classes and will be able to transport 978 seated passengers and 150 vehicles. “Prices are considered so anyone can travel, the one with a Mercedes Benz and the one with a bicycle,” said López Mena.
The ship is scheduled to make two daily journeys between Montevideo and Buenos Aires, of two hours fifteen minutes each stretch, at a speed of 58 knots, about 90 kilometers per hour. In addition, the company will have its own LNG plant in the city of Buenos Aires, to refuel the vessel.
It is worth mentioning that days ago Uruguayan President José Mujica visited “Francisco”. The ship’s christening will take place on September 30 at the port of Buenos Aires and will be attended by the Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez. Operations are expected to begin on October 2 or 3.
