As I stated on the previous Blog post that was published last week, I was able to see the ships of the port of Piraeus several times after finishing work each day during my summer internship. I would then spend the late afternoon in the port of Piraeus in order to take pictures of the ferries that were there at the time, or arriving or departing the port.
This post shows my summer daily routine, sharing all the pictures I took on 13 July 2018, just a day after 12 July 2018, whose pictures are on the Blog since last week. Just like the previous day, it was quite nice to see many ships. But this time, I saw even more, as I had the opportunity to witness multiple arrivals and even some departures of ships towards the Aegean Sea. Therefore, this post is even longer than its predecessor due to it having much more pictures, since I saw more ships than I did the previous day.
Without any further ado, it is time for me to share these pictures with you. Surely you will see many ships which have become a regular feature on this site. But, nevertheless, I never get tired of looking at them and taking pictures of them.
Right upon exiting the office, I headed towards the E7 gate. There, I saw the great ferry BLUE STAR PATMOS of Blue Star Ferries, which was awaiting her late afternoon departure to the Cyclades Islands.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS seen in Piraeus shortly before her departure. Built in 2012, she began service on the Piraeus-Chios-Mytilene line on the Northeast Aegean Sea. Since late 2014, she has been operating on the Cyclades. Between the summers of 2015 and 2017, she was operating on the Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Donousa-Amorgos-Ios-Santorini-Anafi-Astypalaia line. She therefore served the islands during the evening and the night, while her sister ship, the BLUE STAR DELOS, would do so in the morning. In 2018, she operated only on the Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini-Anafi line, with the service to Donousa, Amorgos and Astypalaia being taken over by the BLUE STAR NAXOS.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS seen in Piraeus. I have already traveled on her three times: once on 7-8 July 2015 from Piraeus to Santorini, then from Santorini to Ios on 10 July 2017, and then from Naxos to Paros on 26 July 2018. She is the ferry on which I have traveled the most amount of times on the Cyclades, and was the first ferry of Blue Star Ferries on which I have ever embarked onboard.
Next to the BLUE STAR PATMOS, I spotted another well-known ferry: the PREVELIS of ANEK Lines, which operates on the Piraeus-Milos-Santorini-Anafi-Heraklion-Siteia-Kasos-Karpathos-Chalki-Rhodes line since 2009.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS seen shortly before her departure to the Cyclades Islands.
The PREVELIS, docked in the E3 gate, was also preparing to depart at around the same time as the BLUE STAR PATMOS, as she had an evening service that day. Both ships connect Piraeus with Santorini and Anafi. The latter only has a connexion with Piraeus with these two ferries.
Just after taking my second picture of the PREVELIS, I spotted the catamaran FLYINGCAT 3 of Hellenic Seaways leaving the port of Piraeus in order to head to the Saronic Gulf. She is on the Piraeus-Poros-Hydra-Ermioni-Spetses-Porto Cheli line since 2016.
The FLYINGCAT 3 departing Piraeus in order to head towards Poros. Built in 1998, she had previously spent a significant part of her career on the Cyclades. Since 2016, however, she has been operating on the Piraeus-Poros-Hydra-Ermioni-Spetses-Porto Cheli line. The summer of 2018 hence marked her third straight on the Saronic Gulf. She had also served the Piraeus-Hydra-Spetses line in 2015, in addition to her main service that was spent on the Piraeus-Serifos-Sifnos-Koufonisi line that season.
The beautiful PREVELIS seen in Piraeus. She operates on one of the most demanding lifelines of the Greek coastal service: the Kasos-Karpathos lifeline. Kasos only has a connection with Piraeus thanks to her, while Karpathos is served seasonally by Attica Group since 2017 (with the NISSOS CHIOS of Hellenic Seaways calling there for the 2018 season). Due to their remoteness, their small ports and the strong winds surrounding them, the two islands are a tough challenge for any ship. However, the PREVELIS has thrived on the line since 2009, and has been praised for her efficient service there. The two islands (in addition to Anafi and Chalki) mainly rely on her, particularly during the winter when services are limited.
The PREVELIS seen alongside the BLUE STAR PATMOS, shortly before their respective departures.
The PREVELIS and the BLUE STAR PATMOS seen together in Piraeus.
Another view of the PREVELIS, in what was her tenth straight season on the Kasos-Karpathos lifeline.
As the time was 17:30, it was time for the BLUE STAR PATMOS to depart the port of Piraeus.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS seen departing Piraeus. Her first stop is the island of Syros.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS, the youngest cruiseferry in Greece to date, seen leaving Piraeus.
The impressive BLUE STAR PATMOS seen leaving Piraeus, in what was her fourth straight summer operating on the Cyclades.
In the meantime, the PREVELIS is still resting in Piraeus while loading vehicles and passengers.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS seen leaving in order to head towards the exit of the port of Piraeus.
The amazing BLUE STAR PATMOS passing by me as she heads towards the exit of the port of Piraeus.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS, one of the best ships of the Greek coastal service, seen leaving Piraeus.
Another view of the BLUE STAR PATMOS as she heads towards Syros.
The BLUE STAR PATMOS heading towards the Cyclades. It was nice to see her back in service after she grounded off in Ios at the end of the 2017 summer season. Fortunately she was towed safely to Piraeus, and was then repaired in Elefsina.
The PREVELIS still seen in Piraeus.
The PREVELIS seen in Piraeus. She has been owned by ANEK Lines since 2000, after the latter acquired her former operators, Cretan Ferries (also known as Rethymniaki). She previously operated for Cretan Ferries on the Piraeus-Rethymnon line between 1995 and 2000 under the name PREVELI. She continued operating on the line for ANEK Lines until early 2007. The 'S' in her name was added in 2001. After ANEK Lines discontinued operations on the Piraeus-Rethymnon line, she spent the 2007 season on the Piraeus-Chania line. In 2008, she operated on the Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini line, but this service lasted just one season, as she then moved to the Kasos-Karpathos lifeline in 2009.
The PREVELIS seen in Piraeus, shortly before her departure.
After the BLUE STAR PATMOS had left, I saw the small passenger boat GEORGIOS BROUFAS II of Broufas Vessels returning to Piraeus. She operates on the Piraeus-Salamina line.
Shortly after the BLUE STAR PATMOS had departed Piraeus, I saw another ship leaving the port. This time, it was the ferry PHIVOS of Nova Ferries, which operates on the Saronic Gulf.
Built in 1980 in Spain, the PHIVOS was bought by Nova Ferries in 2004. After a one-year-long conversion, she started service in 2005 on the Piraeus-Aegina-Methana-Poros-Hydra line. Starting in 2007, she only operated on the Piraeus-Aegina line, something which she continued to do until the end of the 2013 season. After forming the Saronic Ferries joint venture with Hellenic Seaways (now no longer part of it) and 2way Ferries, she has been on the Piraeus-Aegina-Methana-Poros line since the summer of 2014.
The PHIVOS seen leaving Piraeus, in what was her fourteenth summer on the Saronic Gulf under Nova Ferries.
The GEORGIOS BROUFAS II seen heading towards the E8 gate, after having returned to Piraeus from Salamina.
The PHIVOS, in the meantime, is departing Piraeus in order to head towards Aegina.
The PHIVOS on her way to Aegina. In 2018, I traveled with her twice, both times while heading from Piraeus to Aegina. The first time was on 7 July, while the second time was on 1 August.
The GEORGIOS BROUFAS II heading towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
Another view of the PHIVOS leaving Piraeus.
On the E8 gate, I spotted two other ships, besides the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II (seen at the right side of the picture) which had just docked. The first one was the double-ended ferry ACHAEOS of 2way Ferries, while the second one was the small passenger ship AGIA MARINA AEGINIS of Evoïkos Lines.
While heading more towards the South, I passed by the E3 gate, in which ships that mainly serve Crete depart. There I went past by the KNOSSOS PALACE of Minoan Lines.
The KNOSSOS PALACE is the flagship of Minoan Lines, She was built in 2000 and began service for them on the Piraeus-Heraklion line. In 2018, she and her sister ship, the FESTOS PALACE, were deployed on the Piraeus-Milos-Heraklion line, connecting the Cyclades island with both Athens and Crete.
The AGIA MARINA AEGINIS seen in Piraeus. She connects Piraeus with the two Northern Aegina ports: Souvala and Agia Marina (the port after which she is named). She was previously known as the ALEXANDROS, and was owned by Alexandros Shipping from 2000 to 2015. Initially operating on the Ionian Sea on the Zakynthos-Kefalonia-Ithaca-Lefakada line from 2000 to 2006 and then on the Ierapetra-Chryssi line in Crete in 2007, she moved to her current service in 2008. She was sold to the Greek company My Ways in 2015, but the following season she changed owners again, being bought by Evoïkos Lines, which renamed her AGIA MARINA AEGINIS.
Next to her was the ACHAEOS, which was built in Greece in 2006 and has been owned by 2way Ferries ever since. She spent her first summer on the Piraeus-Aegina line, but moved afterwards to the Igoumenitsa-Corfu line on the Ionian Sea, where she remained until 2013. In 2014, she returned to the Saronic Gulf, and has since been operating on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri line.
As I looked towards the open sea near the entrance of the port, I spotted the BLUE GALAXY of Blue Star Ferries heading towards Piraeus.
The impressive BLUE GALAXY seen entering the port of Piraeus in the early evening. She has been operating for Blue Star Ferries since 2015. Ever since this introduction, she has been serving the Piraeus-Chania line, under the ANEK-Attica Group joint venture.
The majestic bow of the BLUE GALAXY, as she enters the port of Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY having entered the port of Piraeus. She was built in Japan in 1992, and operated there as the HERCULES of the Japanese company Higashi Nihon Ferry before her sale to ANEK Lines in 1999. After being converted in Perama, she entered service as the LEFKA ORI on the Adriatic Sea, initially on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Trieste line between 2000 and 2004, and then on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Venice line between 2005 and 2011, alongside her sister ship, the SOPHOCLES V (now known as the KYDON). After a failed charter to the South Korean company Jeju Cruise Line in 2012, she returned to Greece alongside her sister ship in late 2013 and was refitted in late 2014 in Perama after she was transferred to Blue Star Ferries, being renamed BLUE GALAXY.
Among the best ferries of the Greek coastal service (as it the case for all ships owned by Blue Star Ferries), the BLUE GALAXY has been hailed for her service on the Piraeus-Chania line, on which she has been operating for the past four summer seasons.
The BLUE GALAXY in Piraeus. After a successful spell on the Adriatic Sea, she had no trouble with repeating that success on the Aegean Sea. She and her current fleetmate and former competitor, the BLUE HORIZON, are the two ferries of Blue Star Ferries that operate in Crete. While the BLUE GALAXY operates on the Piraeus-Chania line, the BLUE HORIZON operates on the Piraeus-Heraklion line since 2014.
The BLUE GALAXY passing by me in Piraeus in order to head to her docking spot in the E4 gate. I have already traveled with her in the past, back when she was operating under ANEK Lines as the LEFKA ORI. It was during a trip from Patras to Venice in 2006, as my family and I were returning from Greece to Belgium via Italy.
The big BLUE GALAXY passing by me in Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY having passed by where I was standing and heading towards her docking spot. She is the second ship of Blue Star Ferries to have ever been named BLUE GALAXY. The first one was the legendary IONIAN GALAXY of Strintzis Lines, which had an extremely successful career on the Adriatic Sea from 1988 to 2000, operating on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Ancona-Venice line. Ironically, her new competitor turned out to be the current BLUE GALAXY, which was at the time starting her career as the LEFKA ORI for ANEK Lines. The IONIAN GALAXY (also a Japanese-built ferry, built 20 years before the current BLUE GALAXY) was renamed BLUE GALAXY in 2000, when Strintzis Lines was taken over by Attica Group in order to form the new company Blue Star Ferries. She operated under that name for two seasons. The first one (2000) was spent on an unsuccessful Heraklion-Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Venice line, while the second one (2001) was spent on the Patras-Brindisi line. Afterwards, she was sold to the Turkish company Turkish Marmara Lines and operated as the ÇEŞME 2 line on the Brindisi-Çeşme line. In 2003 she was sold to the Emirati company Marco Lines, being renamed MERDIF 2 and operating on the Dubaï-Umm Qasr line. She was sold for scrap in 2011.
The AGIA MARINA AEGINIS seen leaving Piraeus in order to head towards Souvala and Agia Marina.
The BLUE GALAXY seen from the stern as she heads towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
The AGIA MARINA AEGINIS preparing to exit the port of Piraeus.
The AGIA MARINA AEGINIS, in what was her eleventh season connecting Piraeus with Souvala and Agia Marina. It was also her third one under her current owners and under her current name.
The BLUE GALAXY seen from behind.
The nice little AGIA MARINA AEGINIS heading towards Souvala and Agia Marina.
Another view of the AGIA MARINA AEGINIS. Since 2000, she has undergone two different conversions. The first one was in 2002 in Perama, whereupon she was lengthened and her passenger capacity and speed were upgraded. The second one occurred in 2009 in Salamina, right after her first season on the Piraeus-Northern Aegina line. During that conversion, she received a bulbous bow and a new stern ramp, much longer than the one she previously had.
The BLUE GALAXY preparing to undergo her maneuvering procedure. Thus, just one day after seeing her fleetmate and Cretan collaborator, the BLUE HORIZON, doing hers after having arrived in the evening from Heraklion, I witnessed the one done by BLUE GALAXY following her return to Piraeus from Chania.
The BLUE GALAXY seen undergoing her impressive maneuvering procedure in Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY seen maneuvering in Piraeus.
While the BLUE GALAXY was maneuvering, I saw the AGIA MARINA AEGINIS heading towards the exit of the port of Piraeus, while the ferry APOLLON HELLAS of 2way Ferries had just entered it.
The BLUE GALAXY seen maneuvering in the port of Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY seen maneuvering in the port of Piraeus, having taken a 90-degree turn towards the East.
The BLUE GALAXY maneuvering in the port of Piraeus, having taken a 90-degree turn towards the East.
The AGIA MARINA AEGINIS exiting the port while the APOLLON HELLAS has entered it. On the left side, the HIGHSPEED 4 of Hellenic Seaways is also seen approaching Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY still seen maneuvering in the port of Piraeus, while already having taken a 90-degree turn towards the East.
The BLUE GALAXY now beginning to complete her 180-degree turn in order to head towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
The loyal APOLLON HELLAS seen in Piraeus, having just returned from Aegina.
The BLUE GALAXY having almost taken her 180-degree turn while maneuvering in Piraeus.
The APOLLON HELLAS, which has been owned by 2way Ferries since 2016. Before that, she was owned by Hellenic Seaways (2005-2016), their predecessors Minoan Flying Dolphins (later Hellas Flying Dolphins) under the Saronikos Ferries division (1999-2005), and Poseidon Consortium Shipping-the predecessors of 2way Ferries (1999). Between 1995 and 1999 she was in South Korea under the name SUN BEACH and operating for the company Wing Ferry Company. Her first stint in Greece was between 1990 and 1995 under Akouriki Shipping Company, and was also spent on the Saronic Gulf.
Behind the APOLLON HELLAS, two high speed craft were following her as they headed towards their respective docking spots: the hydrofoil FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA of Aegean Flying Dolphins (also heading back from Aegina) and the HIGHSPEED 4.
The APOLLON HELLAS on her way towards her docking spot. The summer of 2018 was her second one on the Saronic Gulf under her current owners. Before that, she had spent her last two summers under Hellenic Seaways on the Sporades, operating on the Volos-Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos line in 2014 and on then on the Agios Konstantinos-Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos line in 2015. She remained on the latter line in 2016, when she was bought by 2way Ferries. In 2017, she returned to the Saronic Gulf for the first time since 2013, being deployed on the Piraeus-Aegina-Methana-Poros line, the line on which she was also operating during her Hellenic Seaways stint.
The BLUE GALAXY seen completing her maneuvering procedure in Piraeus.
The APOLLON HELLAS passing by me as she heads towards the E8 gate in Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY having finished maneuvering and now preparing to dock in Piraeus.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA seen following the APOLLON HELLAS towards the E8 gate in Piraeus.
The APOLLON HELLAS on her way towards the E8 gate in Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY having completed her maneuvering procedure and now preparing to dock in Piraeus.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA having just arrived in Piraeus. Owned by Aegean Flying Dolphins since 2010, she has been on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri line since 2011.
The APOLLON HELLAS seen from behind as she heads for docking in Piraeus.
The KNOSSOS PALACE seen resting in Piraeus, while her competitor BLUE GALAXY prepares to dock behind her.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA seen in Piraeus, in what was her ninth season on the Saronic Gulf under her company, and also her eighth consecutive one on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri line.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA seen heading towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
The BLUE GALAXY seen docking in Piraeus. Her maneuvering and docking procedures were as impressive as the ones done by the BLUE HORIZON a day earlier.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA on her way towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
A wider view of the E8 gate as seen from where I was standing: the APOLLON HELLAS prepares for her maneuvering procedure, while her fleetmate, the ACHAEOS, and the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II are already docked. They are all to be joined by the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA.
The APOLLON HELLAS seen maneuvering in Piraeus.
The APOLLON HELLAS seen maneuvering in Piraeus, with the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II right next to her.
The APOLLON HELLAS maneuvering in Piraeus.
The HIGHSPEED 4 having also entered the port of Piraeus.
The APOLLON HELLAS seen maneuvering in the E8 gate.
The fantastic HIGHSPEED 4 having returned to Piraeus after having served her itinerary for the day.
The HIGHSPEED 4 seen arriving in Piraeus. She has spent her entire career in Greece, having operated for Hellenic Seaways and previously under the latter's predecessors (Minoan Flying Dolphins and later Hellas Flying Dolphins). Moreover, she has served the Cyclades during every single summer season since her arrival in Greece in 2000.
The HIGHSPEED 4 passing by me in order to head towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
Th HIGHSPEED 4 on her way towards the E7 gate in Piraeus.
The HIGHSPEED 4 seen maneuvering in Piraeus.
In the summer of 2018, the HIGHSPEED 4 was serving the Piraeus-Paros-Naxos-Koufonisi-Amorgos line, where she has been operating since 2016. She had also operated there in 2014, with tremendous success.
The HIGHSPEED 4 maneuvering in Piraeus. She is now the only high speed ferry to operate for her company alongside the HELLENIC HIGHSPEED, following the sale of the HIGHSPEED 7 to Minoan Lines.
The impressive HIGHSPEED 4 having quickly completed her maneuvering procedure and now docking in Piraeus.
The HIGHSPEED 4 having quickly completed her maneuvering procedure and having docked in Piraeus.
While the HIGHSPEED 4 had moored in Piraeus, it was now the time for the ACHAEOS and of the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II to depart the port.
The ACHAEOS departing Piraeus in order to head towards Aegina.
The double-ended ferry ACHAEOS seen leaving Piraeus. I had traveled on her on 8 July (five days before I took this picture), when I headed back from Aegina to Piraeus after having spent the weekend there with my brother and two friends.
The GEORGIOS BROUFAS II seen leaving Piraeus in order to head towards Salamina.
The ACHAEOS passing by me while departing Piraeus. A more detailed post on a trip I had with her on 19 July 2016 can be found here.
The ACHAEOS passing by me and heading towards the exit of the port of Piraeus.
The ACHAEOS was immediately followed by the smaller GEORGIOS BROUFAS II, which was heading towards Salamina.
The GEORGIOS BROUFAS II seen departing Piraeus. Just 10 days before taking this picture, I had traveled onboard her from Piraeus to Salamina, making my first-ever trip on that line.
The GEORGIOS BROUFAS II seen heading towards Salamina.
And as the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II was leaving in order to go from Salamina, another ship that was heading from the latter island was arriving in Piraeus. It was the PETROULA of Petroula Speedline, which was spending her debut season on the Piraeus-Salamina line, connecting the Athens port with the port of Selinia.
The PETROULA having just arrived from Salamina. She was built in 2010 and was previously known as the HERMES of Antiparos Speedline NE. She operated on the Paros-Antiparos line from 2010 to 2016, after which she was replaced by a former Piraeus-Salamina line boat (a 'Koulouriotiko'), the HELLAS, and was sold to her current owners. She spent her first summer under them (after having been renamed PETROULA) on the Perama-Salamina line, while the following one, 2018, was spent on the Piraeus-Salamina line.
The PETROULA heading towards the docking spot left by the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II in Piraeus.
The small passenger boat PETROULA on her way to her docking spot in Piraeus.
The PETROULA having just arrived in Piraeus.
Shortly after the arrival of the PETROULA and the departures of the ACHAEOS and of the GEORGIOS BROUFAS II, it was now time for the PREVELIS to depart Piraeus.
The PREVELIS seen leaving Piraeus, with the HIGHSPEED 4 seen next to her. They are two completely different ships, but still were competitors in 2008 when the PREVELIS was deployed on the Cyclades. They have an age difference of 20 years, although the PREVELIS arrived in Greece only six years before the HIGHSPEED 4 was built.
The PREVELIS leaving Piraeus in order to head towards her first destination: Milos.
The beautiful PREVELIS ready to pass by me as she departs Piraeus.
The impressive Japanese bow of the PREVELIS, which is seen leaving the port of Piraeus.
The bow of the PREVELIS seen as she is passing by right next to me.
The PREVELIS heading towards the exit of the port of Piraeus, in order to begin her long trip to the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese, and notably Kasos and Karpathos.
Just a few moments later, and barely 10 minutes after having docked, the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA was already leaving the port of Piraeus.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA seen leaving Piraeus, heading towards Aegina first and then towards Agistri.
The reliable FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA heading towards the exit of the port of Piraeus.
The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA and the PREVELIS seen leaving the port of Piraeus.
Just two minutes after the two ships had left Piraeus, another ship operating in Salamina was returning to the port, namely the small passenger boat ELENA F of Elena F Shipping.
And right behind her, another ship was also returning to the port: the high speed ferry CHAMPION JET 1 of Sea Jets.
The ELENA F seen returning to Piraeus. Built in 1998, she has spent the bulk of her career on the Piraeus-Salamina line, after having replaced her older fleetmate, the DIMITRIOS F, which was retired from service. She has only spent one season on a service other than the Piraeus-Salamina line. Indeed, in 2013, she operated on the Sporades, on the Glyfa-Skiathos line. She however returned to her usual service once that season concluded.
The ELENA F having just arrived in Piraeus.
The ELENA F seen in Piraeus. Besides her usual service on the Piraeus-Salamina line, she has also done some successful one-day cruises to other Saronic Gulf islands, namely Aegina, Agistri and Poros, as part of exclusive events. She has been to all three islands at least once every summer since 2014. She also served them back in 2012.
The ELENA F heading towards her docking spot in Piraeus.
The CHAMPION JET 1 following her right behind. She had returned from her daily service spent on the Piraeus-Mykonos-Naxos-Santorini line.
The CHAMPION JET 1 seen returning to her docking spot in Piraeus. Owned by Sea Jets since 2015, she spent her fourth season on the same line where she also operated in 2017, as well as for the start of the 2015 season.
The CHAMPION JET 1 in Piraeus. The day I took all these pictures marked exactly three years and one day since my first (and so far only) trip with her, when I traveled with her from Santorini to Piraeus.
The CHAMPION JET 1on her way towards her docking spot in Piraeus. Her addition in 2015 was an important step for the rise of Sea Jets, which has gone from a fleet of only four ships in 2013 to a fleet of 18 ships as of February 2019!
The CHAMPION JET 1 on her way towards the E9 gate where she usually docks.
The speedy CHAMPION JET 1 heading towards her docking spot in Piraeus. She is currently being chartered to the Spanish company Naviera Armas, being deployed on the Las Palmas-Santa Cruz de Tenerife line on the Canary Islands Archipelago. Initially supposed to last for four weeks, it has been extended, and there is a slight possibility that the ship will stay there during the summer of 2019, instead of operating in Greece.
Regardless of what happens, here we see the CHAMPION JET 1 preparing to maneuver in Piraeus, in what was generally a successful season for her.
Another view of the E7, E8 and E9 gates: the docked HIGHSPEED 4 watches her competitor, the CHAMPION JET 1, undergoing her maneuvering procedure. In between the APOLLON HELLAS has already docked, while the ELENA F also maneuvers next to the PETROULA.
The CHAMPION JET 1 seen maneuvering in Piraeus.
The CHAMPION JET 1 having finished her maneuvering procedure and preparing to dock in Piraeus.
The CHAMPION JET 1 having just docked in Piraeus.
Like the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA, the PETROULA left Piraeus just a few minutes after having arrived, in order to make her last trip to Salamina for the day.
The PETROULA seen departing Piraeus.
The PETROULA on her way towards Salamina. After the summer season ended, she returned to the Perama-Salamina line. So far there has not been any information regarding her return to the Piraeus-Salamina line for the 2019 summer season.
The BLUE GALAXY now resting in Piraeus, after having done her long but impressive maneuvering procedure.
The HIGHSPEED 4 seen resting in Piraeus, after another successful day sailing on the Cyclades.
The CHAMPION JET 1, seen not far away, also docked in Piraeus after having spent yet another day on the Cyclades.
Another view of the great BLUE GALAXY, now unloading passengers and vehicles.
The HIGHSPEED 4 seen departing Piraeus in order to perform an evening trip to Paros.
The HIGHSPEED 4 seen leaving Piraeus in order to head towards Paros.
The HIGHSPEED 4 having departed Piraeus.
One last view of the BLUE GALAXY, which was undoubtedly the main protagonist that evening thanks to her unique arrival in Piraeus.
As I was beginning to leave the port of Piraeus in order to take the subway and head back home, I spotted the HELLENIC HIGHSPEED of Hellenic Seaways having also returned to the port. Here she is seen alongside the KNOSSOS PALACE.
Just a few minutes after her fleetmate had left the port, the HELELNIC HIGHSPEED was now preparing to maneuver in Piraeus. This was her second straight summer on the Piraeus-Sifnos-Ios-Santorini line.
The HELLENIC HIGHSPEED heading towards her docking spot in Piraeus. The day after I took this picture marked the first anniversary of my trip with her, on 14 July 2017, when I traveled onboard her from Ios to Piraeus.
And so this marks the end of my post, as it was time for me to head back home in Central Athens, just like every day. As it was the case with the day before, this evening was quite memorable as I got to see a large amount of ship arrivals, but also numerous departures (including some ships that left Piraeus as soon as they had docked). I also saw impressive maneuvering procedures, such as those of the BLUE GALAXY, the APOLLON HELLAS, the HIGHSPEED 4 and the CHAMPION JET 1. It really was an eventful evening which I will hardly forget.
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