Greek Ferry - General/Smaller Operator News & Discussion

Post by **hhvferry** » 01 Apr 2022 17:21

KTEL, the Greek bus operator, has reportedly acquired a fast ferry, with the intent of entering the lucrative Heraklion-Santorini trade, which is a popular option for tourists staying on Crete to make a day trip to Santorini.

Reported here - I don't think it's an April fool:
KTEL bought a ship!

NB, the headline says 'bought' whilst the text says it will be chartered, so let's see.

Moreover, although this isn't reported in the article, the ship concerned is apparently the former Superseacat One, currently the Almudaina Dos of Armas-Trasmediterranea.

She has been laid up since 2019, not having been used in the pandemic years. She used to run the Gandia to Ibiza line but the new owners of Trasmediterranea's Balearics operations are not interested in this sort of operation.

Post by **hhvferry** » 10 Apr 2022 07:56

SAOS Ferries aquired a new ship, the Mishima, from Japan a few months ago. She is being substantially rebuilt and the company have provided a video update and announced her new name will be The Lady:

Video: SAOS Ferries

SilverDot · Post by **SilverDot** » 26 Apr 2022 01:32

New Cyprus-Greece Ferry Link?

https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/11 ... is-summer/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/11 ... -fruition/

Post by **hhvferry** » 02 May 2022 00:16

Appia1978 wrote: ↑01 May 2022 11:59 As for the larger ships, I have to say that I find the BS 1+2 much more comfortable than the Fosen and SF ships. Sure, the Fosen and SF are more airy, but the BS have nicer, small and very cozy corners to have a really great time. Of course, together with the SF, they have smaller cabins than the Fosen.

I adore the two ANEK Fosen ships, and their four near-sisters, so will always make the case that they are the best. What ANEK would be without those two ships is hard to imagine. The Blue Stars are fine, but I still think the Superfasts V/VI, XI/XII are (were) more impressive ships.

Hopefully we will some day see again Greek ferry operators building such impressive ships as these in such numbers. That seven year spell from 1995 to 2002 when the twelve Superfasts, ten Minoans, two ANEKs and 2+3 Blue Stars were all built was such a fleeting and unimaginable golden age for new Greek ships (all foreign-built mind you).

Appia1978 · Post by **Appia1978** » 02 May 2022 10:11

ANEK would no longer exist without the two Fosen. They are their most valuable asset.
I don't have high hopes for a new expansion program by Greek ferry companies and certainly not for new buildings in Greek shipyards!!! The sector faces so many problems, especially in terms of politics, that I see no future for it, except for some light crafts...

Post by **hhvferry** » 22 Jun 2022 11:25

Too early yet to characterise this as a ship heading for scrap as there's not been any confirmed reports as to what is happening: The Aqua Solution (ex-Prinsessan Christina (1969), later Lion Prince, Stena Prince, Palau and the accommodation ship Wind Solution amongst others) has motored away from Piraeus Roads this morning. She had been laid up in Drapetsona since being acquired by Seajets in 2018 until the other day when she was brought out of her berth to sit at an anchorage awaiting orders.

She was bought by Seajets by all accounts for continued use as an accommodation ship within Greece but this never happened and she has lain unused since then.

She is plodding along at around 7 knots. Current destination is Port Said, potentially carrying on to Oman. Whether she heads instead for a scrapping beach in India or Bangladesh we'll see but she certainly doesn't seem to be going to Aliaga.

: Aqua Solution at Drapetsona

PetranPireotis · Post by **PetranPireotis** » 02 Jul 2022 16:40

Tera Jet and SuperRunner Jet started yesterday their trips in Piraeus-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos Islands route.
The first departs on 9.00 and the latter on 15.00

Below you can watch SR Jet first departure.

Post by **hhvferry** » 05 Jul 2022 01:31

PetranPireotis wrote: ↑02 Jul 2022 16:40 Tera Jet and SuperRunner Jet started yesterday their trips in Piraeus-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos Islands route.
The first departs on 9.00 and the latter on 15.00

Below you can watch SR Jet first departure.

Thanks for the videos. Any idea how the new Serifos-Sifnos-Milos etc timetable settled down? I'm expecting there to be delays!

It does surprise me that there isn't a reliable ~0730 conventional ferry departure on this route almost every day any more.

BUBBAH123 · Post by **BUBBAH123** » 20 Jul 2022 12:30

hello everyone,

We were due to get a ferry from Mykonos to Milos today but the weather meant it was cancelled.

Anywhere I can see confirmation of this online?

Thanks

Marc

Post by **hhvferry** » 20 Jul 2022 13:15

BUBBAH123 wrote: ↑20 Jul 2022 12:30 hello everyone,

We were due to get a ferry from Mykonos to Milos today but the weather meant it was cancelled.

Anywhere I can see confirmation of this online?

Thanks

Marc

Hi Marc

This would be the Seajet 2. I can't see anything online officially but it is referenced here:
Shipfriends: prohibition from sailing notices

We can also see that the sailings have been removed from the booking engine for yesterday and today:

Unfortunately there aren't many convenient alternatives to that useful inter-island itinerary (other than waiting for Seajet 2 tomorrow, if she isn't full) short of going to Piraeus or maybe Heraklion and trying to pick up a Milos sailing there - but at great cost of time and money.

rog747 · Post by **rog747** » 21 Jul 2022 08:16

BUBBAH123 wrote: ↑20 Jul 2022 12:30 hello everyone,

We were due to get a ferry from Mykonos to Milos today but the weather meant it was cancelled.

Anywhere I can see confirmation of this online?

Thanks

Marc

The winds Marc this summer in the Cyclades have been crazy - I was there in June for 3 weeks and we only had 4 calm days (bliss)
The fast ferries ran most of the time but with delays - Only two days saw cancellations in that time - Power Jet and Worldchampion Jet seemed to run OK as they are large vessels.
Beaufort was blowing hard from F5-7, up to 8.
I used the Windfinder App and it was 100% accurate even days ahead predicting the usually unpredictable Meltemi N/NW winds.

For Mykonos to Milos today (If you did not manage to get off Mykonos yesterday!) there is the Seajet (small boat) at 19.25 - as mentioned above, and it is not yet showing full = silver tickets are 108e !
The winds in the area are due to drop around early evening today.

Or get yourself to Piraeus today at 1415 or 2205 on Blue Star, and tomorrow morning you have the big car ferries (slower but cheaper) DIONISIOS SOLOMOS with Zante Ferries at 07.00
and also the ANEK Prevelis at 18.30 in the evening.

To check ferries (pretty accurate with changes and updates) use Ferryhopper and Openseas on the web plus they have Apps too.
plus GTP domestic ferry schedules

PetranPireotis · Post by **PetranPireotis** » 12 Aug 2022 10:46

Hellenic Seaways newbuilt Catamarans AERO 1 HIGHSPEED , AERO 2 HIGHSPEED and AERO 3 HIGHSPEED began their trips at Saronic Islands (Aegina,Agistri,Poros,Hydra,Spetses ) and the two land ports of Ermioni and Porto Heli on 8th August 2022

In the following 3 videos you can watch their maiden departures

Post by **hhvferry** » 22 Aug 2022 21:17

hhvferry wrote: ↑22 Jun 2022 11:25 Too early yet to characterise this as a ship heading for scrap as there's not been any confirmed reports as to what is happening: The Aqua Solution (ex-Prinsessan Christina (1969), later Lion Prince, Stena Prince, Palau and the accommodation ship Wind Solution amongst others) has motored away from Piraeus Roads this morning. She had been laid up in Drapetsona since being acquired by Seajets in 2018 until the other day when she was brought out of her berth to sit at an anchorage awaiting orders.

She was bought by Seajets by all accounts for continued use as an accommodation ship within Greece but this never happened and she has lain unused since then.

She is plodding along at around 7 knots. Current destination is Port Said, potentially carrying on to Oman. Whether she heads instead for a scrapping beach in India or Bangladesh we'll see but she certainly doesn't seem to be going to Aliaga.

aquasolutionIMG_0250 (1).JPG

The Aqua Solution has now made it as far as Muscat in Oman. No clear indication yet as to what she's doing or where she is going next.

Appia1978 · Post by **Appia1978** » 06 Oct 2022 21:42

The Grimaldi Group buys the port of Igoumenitsa for €84 million.
I'm curious about the new port fees for the competitors ...

SilverDot · Post by **SilverDot** » 06 Oct 2022 23:26

Appia1978 wrote: ↑06 Oct 2022 21:42 The Grimaldi Group buys the port of Igoumenitsa for €84 million.
I'm curious about the new port fees for the competitors ...

At XXV Euromed, Emanuele Grimaldi has said 60% of the ports revenue comes from the Grimaldi group.

Followed by “Unlike to other financial investors, the Grimaldi Group does not seek profit nor does it intend to increase fares. I am the biggest user of these ports and want to see them grow and improve their services.”

Plans for Igoumenitsa port include the development of trade roads around the axis of Egnatia motorway.

Post by **hhvferry** » 07 Oct 2022 04:22

SilverDot wrote: ↑06 Oct 2022 23:26
Appia1978 wrote: ↑06 Oct 2022 21:42 The Grimaldi Group buys the port of Igoumenitsa for €84 million.
I'm curious about the new port fees for the competitors ...

At XXV Euromed, Emanuele Grimaldi has said 60% of the ports revenue comes from the Grimaldi group.

Followed by “Unlike to other financial investors, the Grimaldi Group does not seek profit nor does it intend to increase fares. I am the biggest user of these ports and want to see them grow and improve their services.”

Plans for Igoumenitsa port include the development of trade roads around the axis of Egnatia motorway.

Far be it from me to suggest Mr Grimaldi is a BS merchant, but a quick look at the financial statements of the Igoumenitsa port group, combined with a basic knowledge of the port itself, suggests it is highly unlikely his company's one or two international calls a day account for 60% of revenue.

Post by **hhvferry** » 13 Oct 2022 14:45

Jonathan Boonzaier travelled recently with the Symi of ANES Ferries, running the short Piraeus-Aegina run. She is rarely used in these parts so he was lucky, if that's the right word, to get a chance to sail on this characterful old ship on this route.

: Symi off Aegina, 16/09/22

Lots of pictures of the route, the ship and the traveller experience on JB's Flickr page on the following link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/worlddisc ... 0302681020

Notice that from earlier this year Anes ships have been carrying 'KK' funnel markings to indicate the company's owners being the initials of their names, Karogiannis and Kontos.

Appia1978 · Post by **Appia1978** » 14 Oct 2022 18:12

If I'm not mistaken, her dummy funnel is the original one of Ainos, Viking Line's first Apollo 🙂

Post by **hhvferry** » 19 Oct 2022 14:45

Appia1978 wrote: ↑14 Oct 2022 18:12 If I'm not mistaken, her dummy funnel is the original one of Ainos, Viking Line's first Apollo 🙂

That's the Agios Nektarias Aeginas but you're correct it has been moved over from the old Apollo :) I had a peek inside a few years ago... underwhelming!

: The Apollo of 1964, dummy funnel circled

: The Agios Nektarias Aeginas in current colours with the Apollo's dummy funnel

: The structure up close in 2011

: Windows

: Inside the dummy funnel

: ...

Appia1978 · Post by **Appia1978** » 19 Oct 2022 21:44

And before the Agios Nektarios Aiginis, it was the Ainos of Strintzis Lines 😉

Post by **hhvferry** » 26 Oct 2022 15:34

Almost unimaginably after the chaos just a couple of months ago the Ministry allowed the arrangements for the Prevelis's subsidised routes to Karpathos and Kasos etc to expire again. So there was no sailing on Friday leading the local leaders on Kasos to issue this statement:

[In Greek] RESOLUTION by the Municipal Council of the Heroic Island of Kasos regarding the ferry

[Google Translated] The Municipal Council of the Heroic Island of Kasos convened in an extraordinary meeting with the only item on the agenda being the ferry service of the island and the problems that have arisen.

A man who sins twice is not a wise man. The suffering of the summer was not a lesson.

While there have been public commitments by the political leadership of the Ministry of Shipping to undertake the service of a B' class ship that will run three weekly routes from Piraeus to Kasos-Karpathos from November 1 2022, the result proved its unreliability and inability to fulfil them.

We ask for the obvious... We will not accept to be the victims between the Ministry and the companies. The situation is tragic. The economy is paralyzed. Supplies are starting to run short. Many of our compatriots are stranded in Crete and have no way to return, while others who need to leave for both health and business reasons cannot. We want what has been happening in all the islands of the Archipelago for years now. That is, a 'B' class ship to our islands Kasos and Karpathos.

We expect you to do the obvious.

Direct ship routing this week from Piraeus via Heraklion so that all our compatriots can move to and from the urban centers, but also for businesses to supply their products.

Immediate re-announcement of the line with the simultaneous withdrawal of the demands of both the Ministry and the companies to find the golden ratio and get our island the transport it deserves. If our demands are not justified, we reserve the right to assert them more aggressively.

25.10.2022

Almost as soon as that was produced the Ministry announced the Prevelis's contract has been extended to the end of February 2023. At a cost of €88,000 per sailing which is a nice little earner for the division of ANEK that runs it (and more than they used to get before the Olympus saga drew significant attention to this route in the first place).

[In Greek] PUBLIC SERVICE ASSIGNMENT FOR THE SERVICE OF THE ROUTE Santorini-Anafi-Kasos-Karpathos-Diafani-Chalki-Rhodes, &return AND Santorini-Anafi-Sitia-Kasos-Karpathos-Diafani-Chalki-Rhodes &return

Prevelis returns to her routes next Tuesday.

Post by **hhvferry** » 27 Oct 2022 13:58

More on the Prevelis issue. There was a protest about the shambolic state of the Kasos/Karpathos ferry services yesterday at the port of Kasos when the Blue Star Patmos made her weekly call there (which I think was delayed by the seafarers' strike on Tuesday as she's only usually there in daylight). Video of the event further down, link to news article at the bottom.

: Blue Star Patmos protest @ Kasos 26/10/22 - from karpathiakanea.gr

LINK: [In Greek] Protest at the port of Kasos with a symbolic seizure of the BLUE STAR PATMOS

Post by **hhvferry** » 20 Jan 2023 19:39

Some news for fans of the Prevelis (albeit not particularly good news), or anyone just trying to get to some of the less-travelled islands in the Aegean, particularly Kasos and Karpathos: Blue Star Ferries have applied (and will most certainly get) the concession for the line, currently ably served by the 1980-built Prevelis.

BSF propose using the Blue Star Chios on the route with effect from 1st April. Which does raise further intriguing questions about Attica Group's full summer 2023 itineraries as that possibly/probably creates a gap elsewhere unless they do something interesting with the schedules.

[Translated from Greek, link to full article at the bottom]

Finally, the tender for the ferry connection of Kasos is fruitful! Attica Group submitted a bid
17/01/23

The chronic problem of Kasos regarding the upgrade of the ferry service seems to be on its way to being resolved.

The Municipal Authority, in constant communication with both officials of the Ministry of Shipping and with high-ranking officials of Blue Star Ferries (Attica Group), received the information that an offer was submitted yesterday to the competent department of the Ministry by the said company. There are three itineraries for the whole year from and to Piraeus with the ship Blue Star Chios.

The Mayor of Kasos Michalis Erotokritos, particularly satisfied with the development of this major issue, stated the following:

"Everything indicates that a solution is finally going to be found and our efforts to upgrade our ferry connection will be successful. With the submission of an offer by the Blue Star company, we are heading towards the end of the Odyssey, which will be completed with the signing of the relevant contract and the start of the routes in April. We will continue with the sole purpose of the development of our island and the continuous improvement of the quality of life of its inhabitants".

[In Greek] Finally, the tender for the ferry connection of Kasos is fruitful! Attica Group submitted a bid

Greekferryadept · Post by **Greekferryadept** » 11 Feb 2023 18:01

Currently a new ferry is being build for ANEM Ferries (owner of Olympios Zeus). According an interview with Panagiotis Avrithis (deputy major of Kos and vice-president of ANEM Ferries), the new ferry will be ready by the end of April.

The ferry will be named OLYMPIOS HERMES, has a length of 42 meters with a capacity of 300 passengers and 9 cars, and will travel to Kalymnos, Astypalaia and Lipsi.

https://www.kostv.gr/nea/topika/20214-m ... e-to-onoma

Greekferryadept · Post by **Greekferryadept** » 14 Feb 2023 14:20

According to secure information, ANEK LINES is reportedly preparing the return of EL. VENIZELOS' flagship ship to Greek shipping, after more than two years of immobility (25.04.2020) in the repair zone of Perama. The imposing ship, which for years was the flagship of the Cretan company as well as one of the largest and most important ships in Greek shipping, is expected to be reactivated in response to the new needs created in view of the new data taking place in our shipping. Already, work has begun on the ship, which is noted to have undergone a significant upgrade and renovation of its interior spaces in 2019. The return of EL. VENIZELOS to the coastal shipping events undoubtedly gives us great joy, as it is undoubtedly a ship with an important position and history in our coastal shipping. EL. VENIZELOS was built in 1992 (Poland/Greece). She has a tonnage of 38,261gt (5,351 dwt), a length of 175.4 meters, a beam of 28.5 meters and a draft of 6.4 meters. It can carry 2,500 passengers (1,606 beds) and 850 I.H. (1650 linear meters). It is equipped with 4 Zgoda-Sulzer 16ZV 40/48 diesel main engines with a total power of 34,130 KW and can develop a speed of 20 knots.

Translation from Greek https://arxipelagos.gr/%CE%B5%CE%BB-%CE ... %B9%CE%BA/

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