Minoan<.> Flying Dolphins just purchased the Super Catamaran `Haroula` from Goutos Lines and is in deep discussions with other similar small Greek ferry lines for merger agreements.

Built in 1995, the catamaran accommodates 1,411 passengers and 220 vehicles. The ferry will continue to run the Cyclades islands route from Rafina Port. At a top speed of 22 knots, the catamaran is the fastest, as well as the most modern, on the route.

Minoan Lines` flying dolphin subsidiary boasts 33 fast ship<.>s and during the first nine months of this year posted a 10% increase in passenger traffic. Most other lines posted passenger decreases because of the Yugoslav crisis.

By year end, the Minoan subsidiary expects to post a net profit of more than 3.0 billion drachmas.

Prior to the purchase of the Haroula, the company bought the catamaran Supercat `Athina` from Goutos. Minoan also has five new similar vessels on order. Three will be delivered before April of next year and two are expected in the early part of 2001.