Shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft is working closely with Elefsis Shipbuilding and Industrial Enterprises as progress is made towards the start of production on the first of three Super Vita 62m Fast Attack Craft for the Hellenic Navy. Under the agreement, the Elefsis yard, just outside Athens, is undergoing considerable modernisation to build the ships and VT is playing a major role in planning development of the yard ready for the first steel to be cut early next year.

Full training is being given by VT to Elefsis personnel to accompany investment in machinery with a view to a long-term partnership beyond the construction of the fast attack craft. As much ships equipment as possible will also be built in Greece. VTs commitment to Greek industry will help to make Elefsis one of the most advanced naval shipbuilding facilities in the Mediterranean region through state-of-the-art machinery, higher skill levels and improved productivity.

Chief Executive Martin Jay commented: The Super Vita will make an important contribution to the modernisation of the Hellenic Navy and we have made a successful start to the programme working with Elefsis. The Super Vita fast attack craft are based on VT vessels already successfully in service with the Qatar Emiri Navy and come from a proven pedigree of similar-sized craft that VT has built for Oman and other countries.

The vessel comprises a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with speeds of around 35 knots. Weapons include one 76mm gun, two 30mm guns, surface-to-air and surface- to-surface missiles.