CORFU SPIRIT (ΚΟΡΦΟΥ ΣΠΙΡΙΤ) -Kerkyra Lines Built in 1989 (age 37 ). Registered in Piraeus. Current line: None (under refit in Corfu) The double-ended ferry CORFU SPIRIT was built in 1989 in the United Kingdom, as the SUPERFLEX GOLF for the Danish company VR Shipping. Upon her delivery to the company, she did not operate until 1992, as she remained laid-up in Copenhagen. During the 1992 season she was chartered to the Danish company Skagen Line and she operated on the Skagen-Marstrand line on the Skagerrak, but she stopped operations later in that same year after the company went bankrupt. In 1993 she was chartered to another Danish company, namely Scarlett Line, and she was deployed on the Copenhagen-Landskrona line on the Øresund. Her charterers also went bankrupt, and therefore she was once again laid-up in Copenhagen. In 1994 she was sold to the Spanish company Isnasa and she was renamed ANTONIO MACHADO. Following a conversion in Málaga, she was deployed in 1995 on the Algeciras-Ceuta line on the Gibraltar Strait. In 1996 she was transferred to the subsidiary company Flebasa Lines and she was deployed on the Dénia-Ibiza line on the Balearic Sea. In 1997 she returned under the management of Isnasa and she was once again deployed on the Algeciras-Ceuta line. Her company ceased operations in 1998 due to financial issues, and the ship was laid-up in Algeciras together with her fleetmate and sister ship, namely the MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ. The two ships remained abandoned in Algeciras until 2003, when they were purchased by the Italian company Enermar Transporti Isole Sarde. The MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ was renamed BUDELLI, while the ANTONIO MACHADO was renamed RAZZOLI. She was chartered in 2004 to the Italian company Navigazione Generale Italiana and she was deployed on the Milazzo-Vulcano-Lipari-Salina line, thus linking Sicily with the Aeolian Islands on the Tyrrhenian Sea. That same year, she ran aground in the small island of Vulcanello, but she was immediately salvaged and she resumed service. In late 2006 she and the BUDELLI were sold to the Italian company Bluvia, and they were deployed on the Villa San Giovanni-Messina line on the Messina Strait. In 2008 she was renamed REGGIO, while the BUDELLI was renamed MONGIBELLO later in that same year. In 2012 both ships were bought by the Greek company 2way Ferries, being renamed DORIEUS and IONAS, respectively. The former was converted in Perama, and she began service during the summer of 2012 on the Igoumenitsa-Corfu line on the Ionian Sea. In 2014 she was sold to the Russian company JSC Proekt and she was renamed OLYMPIADA. She was deployed on the Kavkaz-Port Krym line on the Kerch Strait. After five seasons there, she returned to Greece in 2019, having once again been renamed DORIEUS and having been bought by Kerkyra Lines. She underwent a small refit in Perama and she made her return to the Igoumenitsa-Corfu line. In 2022 she underwent an extensive refit in Chalkida, during which her engines were upgraded and her indoor areas were refurbished. She was renamed CORFU SPIRIT and she resumed service on the Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Paxoi line. PHOTOS (2022): CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen in Corfu during the evening, during what was her first summer under her new name and following her extensive refit in Chalkida (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen in Corfu during the evening (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen in Corfu during the evening (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen in Corfu during the evening (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT resting in Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT resting in Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT resting in Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT docked in Corfu during the evening (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT docked in Corfu during the evening (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen as she heads towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen as she heads towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen as she heads towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen as she makes her way towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen as she makes her way towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen from the Old Fortress of Corfu, as she makes her way towards the island's port (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT spotted while she heads to Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT spotted while she heads to Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT spotted while she heads to Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen making her way towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen making her way towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen making her way towards the port of Corfu (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen docked in Corfu, right before her departure to Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT having just arrived in the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT having just arrived in the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen departing the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen departing the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen departing the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022). CORFU SPIRIT The CORFU SPIRIT seen leaving the port of Igoumenitsa (9/2022).

SUPERFAST II (ΣΟΥΠΕΡΦΑΣΤ ΙΙ) -Superfast Ferries Built in 2009 (age 17 ). Registered in Piraeus. Current line: Patras-Kefalonia-Igoumenitsa-Bari The Ro-Pax ferry SUPERFAST II was ordered in 2008 for the Greek company Superfast Ferries, after the latter had bought one of her sister ships that was under construction, namely the SUPERFAST I, which was delivered in that same year. She was built in 2009 in Italy, and she therefore became the second ship in the history of the company to have that name (after the original SUPERFAST II, which is currently the MEGA EXPRESS FOUR of the French-Italian company Corsica Ferries-Sardinia Ferries). She was deployed on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Bari line on the Adriatic Sea, where she has since been remaining. In 2023 the ship underwent a minor conversion in Perama, during which she was equipped with an exhaust gas cleaning system. PHOTOS (2022, 2024): SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen docked in Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen docked in Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing Patras during the evening (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing Patras during the evening (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II departing Patras during the evening (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen leaving Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen leaving Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen leaving Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is leaving the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is leaving the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is leaving the port of Patras (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II having left Patras in order to head to Igoumenitsa and then to Bari in Italy (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II having left Patras in order to head to Igoumenitsa and then to Bari in Italy (10/2022). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is arriving in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is arriving in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is arriving in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she approaches the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen heading towards her docking spot in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen as she is heading towards her docking spot in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen right before docking in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen right before docking in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen right before docking in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen while she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen while she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen while she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen just as she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen just as she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen just as she is docking in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen having just docked in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen in the new port of Patras (4/2024). SUPERFAST II The SUPERFAST II seen in the new port of Patras (4/2024).

RIGEL II (ΡΙΓΚΕΛ ΙΙ) -Ventouris Ferries Built in 1980 (age 46). Registered in Limassol. Current line: None (under drydock in Perama) The cruiseferry RIGEL II was built in 1980 in Sweden, as the VISBY for the Swedish company Rederi Ab Gotland. She was deployed on the Nynäshamn-Visby-Oskarshamn line on the Baltic Sea. In 1986 her service was restricted to the Nynäshamn-Visby line. In 1988 she was chartered to the Swedish company Gotlandslinjen and she was once again operating on the Nynäshamn-Visby-Oskarshamn line. After having been replaced by the NORD GOTLANDIA in 1990, she was chartered to the British conglomerate Sealink British Ferries. She underwent a refit in Tilbury and she was renamed FELICITY. She was subsequently deployed on the Fishguard-Rosslare line on the Irish Sea, where she was the largest ferry at the time. In 1991 Sealink British Ferries was acquired by the Swedish giants Stena Line, which resulted in the creation of a new company called Sealink Stena Line, while the FELICITY was renamed STENA FELICITY. In 1992 the company was renamed Stena Sealink Line, while in 1996 all of its fleet were transferred to the core operations of Stena Line. The charter of the STENA FELICITY ended in 1997, after which she returned to Rederi Ab Gotland, which by that time had started trading as Destination Gotland. She was once again renamed VISBY, and following a lengthy refit in Bremerhaven, she resumed service on the Nynäshamn-Visby-Oskarshamn line in 1998. In 2001 her service was once again restricted to the Nynäshamn-Visby line. In 2003 she was renamed VISBORG, before being taken out of service by her company. She was sold during that same year to the Polish company Polferries. She was renamed SCANDINAVIA and she was deployed on the Gdańsk-Nynäshamn line, thus connecting Poland with Sweden on the Baltic Sea. In 2015 she was sold to the Greek company Ventouris Ferries, and she was renamed RIGEL II. After a small refit in Igoumenitsa, she began service on the Bari-Durrës line on the Adriatic Sea, where she remains today. She was the flagship of Ventouris Ferries from 2015 to 2020, when the RIGEL VII began operations for the company. PHOTOS (2022, 2023): RIGEL II The RIGEL II seen undergoing her annual winter refit in Perama, after having spent yet another season on the Bari-Durrës line (10/2022). RIGEL II The RIGEL II still seen undergoing her annual winter refit in Perama, after which she returned to service on the Bari-Durrës line (4/2023).

On 3 July 2015, I had my first trip with a Greek ferry for my 2015 summer vacation. Though this post is not a tribute to a particular ferry, it is rather a description of all ships I saw during this trip (as they were many). It was a round-trip to the island of Aegina, one of the two islands in which I go to every summer, as you already know. Traditionally, my mother and her own mother go to Aegina a few days before we leave Athens for Zakynthos, in order to store in our Aegina house whatever we do not need for the vacation (such as oversized bags, warm clothes) and in order to take whatever is necessary for the beaches (volleyballs, rackets, towels, which stay in our Aegina house all year long). This time, I also went to Aegina in order to help my mother and my grandmother, so it was also an opportunity for me to see the Greek coastal service ships for the third time in the last four days. I went to Piraeus for the first time on 30 June 2015, as well as the following day. Also, I went to Lavrion the next day (2 July 2015) after a visit to my aunt and my cousins in Cape Sounion, so it was the fought straight day seeing Greek coastal service ships overall. We took the conventional ferry PHIVOS of Nova Ferries to Aegina, and we returned with the hydrofoil FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA of Aegean Flying Dolphins a couple of hours later. As I mentioned it previously, this is not a tribute to any of these ships, as the tribute to the PHIVOS will be made in June 2016. Moreover, it was hard to take pictures of the crowded indoor area of a hydrofoil. Also, I did not take any pictures of the PHIVOS' indoor areas that day. However, these trips were exceptional as it was my first time at sea during that summer, and I managed to see many other ships in Piraeus and in the middle of the Saronic Gulf. The pictures below will describe you the experience of both trips to the second nearest island from Piraeus, Aegina. On board the PHIVOS. I immediately went to the outdoor deck in order to take pictures of the other ships. Next to the Nova Ferries ship was her Saronic Ferries joint venture partner, the ACHAEOS of 2way Ferries. One of the two identical bows of the ACHAEOS. It was her second straight season operating on the Saronic Gulf, and her third season overall, having also spent the first season of her career there back in 2006. Since 2014, she has been on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri line. Further left was the high speed catamaran FLYINGCAT 1, owned by Hellenic Seaways, which has been operating on the Saronic Gulf since her delivery in 1991. The ACHAEOS seen resting in Piraeus. Between her first year of service in 2006 and the 2014 season, she operated on the Igoumenitsa-Corfu line on the Ionian Sea (except between 2011 and 2012, when she had a brief charter in Italy, operating for the local company Blunavy on the Piombino-Elba line). As I looked towards the South, I saw from a far distance the cruise ship CELESTYAL OLYMPIA. Owned by the Greek-Cypriot company Celestyal Cruises, the ship had just exited the port in order to leave for her Aegean Sea destinations. On my right, I saw the Cretan ships, most of which I had also seen on 1 July 2015. Here was the BLUE HORIZON of Blue Star Ferries, which operates on the Piraeus-Heraklion line. And right behind her was the other ship of Blue Star Ferries operating in Crete, namely the BLUE GALAXY. I had seen both ships two days prior to my trips with the PHIVOS and the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA. The impressive BLUE GALAXY, which was receiving bunkers by a tanker owned by Aegean Marine Petroleum. Passing right in front the PHIVOS, the ELENA F of Elena F Shipping was returning to Piraeus from Salamina. Three completely different ships all operating on the Saronic Gulf: a double-ended ferry (the ACHAEOS), a high speed catamaran (the FLYINGCAT 1) and a small passenger ship (the ELENA F). As I kept looking towards the South, I saw two Greek coastal service ships which had just arrived in the port of Piraeus. The first ship was another high speed craft of Hellenic Seaways, the FLYINGCAT 3, while the ship following her was the ferry AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS of ANES Ferries. A close view of the FLYINGCAT 3, which returned from her morning schedule, which was spent on the Piraeus-Serifos-Sifnos-Koufonisi line. The FLYINGCAT 3 having arrived in Piraeus. It was her second season operating under the Hellenic Seaways Cosmote livery following her return from the engine failure she suffered in 2012. In 2015, she also made extra trips on the Piraeus-Hydra-Spetses line on the Saronic Gulf. The FLYINGCAT 3 quickly reached her docking spot, located in the E7 gate. The FLYINGCAT 3 having docked in just 25 seconds, with the BLUE HORIZON seen right behind her. As the FLYINGCAT 3 had already docked, the much slower AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS of ANES Ferries was still standing in the same spot. Incredibly, she is one year younger than the catamaran, though the latter's speed is justified as she is a high speed craft. Another view of the FLYINGCAT 3 and of the BLUE HORIZON. As well as another view of the FLYINGCAT 1. She has spent her entire career on the Saronic Gulf under the same name, though she operated under different companies. These are Ceres Flying Dolphins (1991-1999), Minoan Flying Dolphins (1999-2002) and their successors Hellas Flying Dolphins (2002-2005) and Hellenic Seaways (since 2005). A sneaky view of the ships located near the two Blue Star Ferries ships (in the E4 gate). On the left is the laid-up PANAGIA TINOU of Ventouris Sea Lines, and she is seen alongside active veterans, namely the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS of LANE Sea Lines and the PREVELIS of ANEK Lines. An overall view of the E3, E4, E5 and E7 gates in Piraeus. We can see the BLUE HORIZON, the FLYINGCAT 3, the BLUE GALAXY, the PANAGIA TINOU, the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS and the PREVELIS all docked together in that area. The PHIVOS just departed. Here is a full picture of the ACHAEOS. Along with another picture showing her bow. Here is the PREVELIS of ANEK Lines, which operates on the Kasos-Karpathos lifeline since 2009. Her entire itinerary consists of the Piraeus-Milos-Santorini-Anafi-Heraklion-Siteia-Kasos-Karpathos-Chalki-Rhodes line. And right next to her is another lifeline ship, the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS, which operates on the Peloponnese and Kythira-Antikythira lifelines, namely on the Piraeus-Gytheion-Kalamata-Kythira-Antikythira-Kissamos line. Coincidentally, both ships arrived in Greece in 1994, and both have been serving their respective lifelines since 2009, and, also, both are acclaimed ferries in the Greek coastal service. The BLUE GALAXY seen in Piraeus, receiving bunkers. Along with the BLUE HORIZON, also receiving bunkers by an Aegean Marine Petroleum tanker. The FLYINGCAT 3 seen in Piraeus, with the PANAGIA TINOU, the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS and the PREVELIS behind her. On the port side I saw the ANDREAS KALVOS of Zante Ferries, seeing her for the third time in the last four days. She is a familiar face, as she had previously operated on the Ionian Sea, making occasional appearances in Zakynthos through the Kyllini-Zakynthos line, though she was mainly on the Kyllini-Kefalonia line. I traveled with her in 2012 from Kyllini to Zakynthos, and three years later, she was operating with her fleetmate, the ADAMANTIOS KORAIS, from Piraeus to the Western Cyclades. More specifically, she was operating on the Piraeus-Kythnos-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos-Kimolos line. The ANDREAS KALVOS, along with the high speed ferry MASTER JET of Sea Jets, which I had also seen two days before my trips with the PHIVOS and with the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA. It was a busy season for the MASTER JET, as she operated on all of her company's lines during the spring and the summer, mainly as a spare ship, though she was then permanently deployed on her company's Western Cyclades service. That day, she was having her first trip on the Piraeus-Paros-Naxos-Koufonisi-Amorgos line, after having been replaced by the CHAMPION JET 2 on the Piraeus-Mykonos-Naxos Santorini line, and she stayed there until the arrival of the PAROS JET in August, when she was then transferred to the Western Cyclades, on the Piraeus-Sifnos-Milos-Folegandros-Ios-Santorini line, in the place of the CHAMPION JET 1. The ANDREAS KALVOS, in her first season following her second conversion in Keratsini and in Piraeus, which took place in early 2015. She spent the summer on the Piraeus-Kythnos-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos-Kimolos line for the first time in her career. Crossing the AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS as she is preparing to dock in the E8 gate where we were standing. Another view of the Cretan and Southern Aegean Sea lifeline ferries (from left to right): the BLUE HORIZON, the BLUE GALAXY, the PANAGIA TINOU, the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS and the PREVELIS. The two Japanese-built Cretan Blue Star Ferries ships: the BLUE HORIZON and the BLUE GALAXY. Another coincidence is that both ships previously operated on the Adriatic Sea as competitors, both were out of service in 2012 with rumours of their sales to Asian companies, and now they are fleetmates operating on the same island: Crete. Furthermore, both ships also used to be fleetmates when they operated in Japan, as they were both owned by Higashi Nihon Ferry (which also owned several other ships that went on to spend their careers in Greece). The classic Greek ferry AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS, which has been deployed on her namesake's island (on the Piraeus-Aegina line) since 2001, and since 2007 for her current owners. The hard-working MASTER JET resting before her afternoon departure to the Cyclades Islands. As we kept sailing, we passed by the cruise ship terminals, where we saw the small cruise ship TERE MOANA of Paul Gauguin Cruises. She was previously the LE LEVANT of French company Compagnie du Ponant, before being sold to Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2012. A frequent visitor in Greek ports, 2015 was her final summer with her owners, as she was sold the following year to the company Grand Circle Travel Cruises. It is still unknown where she will operate and if she will be renamed. Another view of the BLUE HORIZON, in her second season operating on the Piraeus-Heraklion line. On the other side of the cruise terminals were the Vassiliadis Drydocks, which are hosting the floating museum HELLAS LIBERTY, one of the three only Liberty ships to be still 'alive' today. Returning to Piraeus was the hydrofoil FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA of Aegean Flying Dolphins, on which we traveled a few hours later when leaving Aegina. As we were about to leave the port, we saw the flagship of Superfast Ferries, the SUPERFAST XII, which had just arrived from the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. A view of the building housing the headquarters of the Ministry of Shipping and the Aegean, now known as the Ministry of Shipping and Inuslar Policy. The fantastic SUPERFAST XII seen in Piraeus. It was her first time operating on the Aegean Sea since 2012, as she was previously on the Piraeus-Heraklion line from 2009 to 2012, and it was also her first-ever season on the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Indeed, the summer of 2015 marked her debut on the Piraeus-Syros-Amorgos-Patmos-Leros-Kos-Rhodes line. The SUPERFAST XII, the flagship of a unique company which celebrated its 20 years of service in 2015. All ships had a celebration logo on their sterns, right next to their names and ports of registry. You can see them a bit in the previous pictures. The bow of the SUPERFAST XII as she is seen docked in Piraeus. She has been the flagship of Superfast Ferries since she was delivered to the latter in 2002. The laid-up JET FERRY 1 of GA Ferries right next to the entrance pier in Piraeus. Another view of the SUPERFAST XII. Her career has so far been spent on the Adriatic Sea, primarily on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Ancona line (2002-2008 and 2013-2014), though she served the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Bari-Ancona line during the 2004 season and the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Ancona line during the 2014 season. She also operated on the Piraeus-Heraklion line from 2009 to 2012, and since 2015 she has been operating on the Piraeus-Syros-Amorgos-Patmos-Leros-Kos-Rhodes line. The JET FERRY 1 spent two more months in Piraeus before being temporarily towed to Elefsina for further lay-up. She has been inactive since she completed the 2008 season under her owners on the Agios Konstantinos-Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos line on the Sporades (where she had started to operate in 2002). Since 2009, all ships owned by GA Ferries were arrested in Piraeus due to the economic difficulties of the company. All of them headed for scrap between 2011 and 2012, and the JET FERRY 1 is the only one to have ben spared so far. The CELESTYAL OLYMPIA being cleared by the pilot boats in order to depart for the Aegean Islands and Turkey. The CELESTYAL OLYMPIA departing. It was her first season under the colours of Celestyal Cruises, which was formerly known Louis Hellenic Cruises (or just Louis Cruises, for whom she sailed as the LOUIS OLYMPIA). Aged 33 at the time, she also had spells with Royal Caribbean International (as the SONGBIRD), Sun Cruises (as the SUNBIRD) and Thomson Cruises (as the THOMSON DESTINY) during her career. The great CELESTYAL OLYMPIA, possibly the flagship of Celestyal Cruises. The CELESTYAL OLYMPIA heading towards the Aegean Islands. A small containership, the BF CATANIA of the German company BF Shipmanagement, in Piraeus Roads awaiting to dock. In the Piraeus Roads area, you can find many ships that are either awaiting their turn to dock on the cargo terminals, or laid-up permanently. An example of this kind of ships is the one above. It is the abandoned ferry MAKEDONIA, owned by the Samothraki-based company Saos Ferries. She was bough from Japan in 2006 and had started her conversion in Perama until 2008, when the conversion was halted because of the company's huge financial difficulties. The ship never managed to complete her conversion and she was reportedly sold for scrap in 2013, leaving Perama for Turkey, only to surprisingly return to Greece in order to stay laid-up in the Piraeus Roads area. She has stayed there ever since, being a major issue to traffic as she has constantly been languishing in days with bad weather. Nothing seems to be saving this ship from misery. Aegina seen from our exit from Piraeus. The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA quickly passed by us in order to reach Aegina. While also racing against a seagull :) The speedy FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA. I fear the sailing ship behind her as the former's waves will definitely be shaking the latter. The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA on her way to Aegina. She has been owned by Aegean Flying Dolphins since 2010, and spent her debut season on the Piraeus-Hydra-Spetses-Porto Cheli line. Since 2011, she has been on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri line. After 65 minutes, we reached the port of Aegina, located in the town of the same name. It was the first time in almost a year since I last saw it. There, I saw the sailing cruise ship GALILEO of Variety Cruises, which operates around all of Greece. I also saw the GALILEO in Milos, nine days after I saw her in Aegina, while returning to Piraeus from the island of Santorini. The beautiful port of Aegina, which is one of the few places I call home. The very beautiful GALILEO berthed in Aegina. Upon disembarking from the PHIVOS, we went to our home in Aegina, which I saw for the first time in 11 months and one day. After exchanging our supplies and cleaning the house for a bit, we went back to the port, leaving with a hydrofoil, the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA, as she was the only ship to depart at that specific time. Regarding the trip back, it was the fourth trip in my life with a hydrofoil, three of these having actually been done with the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA, as my two previous trips with her were both made in 2012: one being leaving Piraeus for Aegina after spending an afternoon in Athens (coincidentally, I was on the PHIVOS while going from Aegina to Piraeus, therefore marking my second time spending a round-trip with these two ships) and one when leaving the following day from Aegina to Athens as we were returning to the United States. Luckily, I was able to go the outdoor area of the hydrofoil, which is behind the passenger seating area and right next to the ship's stern. While returning to Piraeus, we crossed the FLYING DOLPHIN XVIII of Hellenic Seaways, one of the three rivals of the FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA on the Saronic Gulf. The equally-speedy FLYING DOLPHIN XVIII, seen heading towards Aegina. She operates on the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri-Poros-Hydra-Ermioni-Spetses-Porto Cheli line. The FLYING DOLPHIN XVIII was then followed by the ACHAEOS, which was also making her way to Aegina. The ACHAEOS seen on the Saronic Gulf, heading towards Aegina. Right upon returning to Piraeus (in only 35 minutes!), we saw the SUPERFAST XII once again, as she was preparing to depart for her late itinerary to Syros, Amorgos and the Dodecanese. Another picture of the doomed JET FERRY 1, along with the damaged entrance pier, which has not been repaired since late 2013, when it was damaged by the cruise ship MSC MAGNIFICA of MSC Cruises, leading to the sinking of the red lighthouse. The beautiful and super modern SUPERFAST XII seen in Piraeus. The SUPERFAST XII before her departure to the XIInese. Seeing the HELLAS LIBERTY for a second time that day. As well as the TERE MOANA. As well as the BLUE HORIZON, which was still seen resting in Piraeus. However, a new guest in the port was the great BLUE STAR PATMOS of Blue Star Ferries, which had just returned from the Cyclades Islands. I would go on to travel onboard her four days later, when I headed from Piraeus to Santorini (through Syros, Paros, Naxos and Ios). The PREVELIS seen once again, along with the bow of the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS. The BLUE HORIZON, the PANAGIA TINOU, the VITSENTZOS KORNAROS and the PREVELIS, seen together in Piraeus. The small Salaminian passenger boat BOB SFOUGKARAKIS of Kavouris Shipping Company leaving for the small port of Selinia. She is the fastest ship operating on the Piraeus-Salamina line. The two Japanese bows of the BLUE HORIZON and of the BLUE GALAXY. The MASTER JET shortly before her first departure to Paros, Naxos, Koufonisi and Amorgos. Upon approaching the E8 gate where we were docking, we saw another familiar face from the Ionian Sea. This time it was the IONIS of Ionis Ferries, which was returning from Aegina. After seeing her on the Ionian Sea until 2014 (as she operated there from 1993 to 2015 under Tyrogalas Ferries, as well as from 1977 to 1991 under Ionian Lines, Hellenic Coastal Lines and Seven Islands Lines), she was having her first season on the Saronic Gulf. The IONIS maneuvering in Piraeus. Her owners, Tyrogalas Ferries, decided to operate as Ionis Ferries when they transferred her to the Saronic Gulf. She is now the only ferry owned by the company, as the IONIAN STAR, which was operating on the Kyllini-Zakynthos line and on the Kyllini-Kefalonia line since 2003, was sold during the summer of 2015 to rival operator Levante Ferries. Therefore, Tyrogalas Ferries now only operates on the Saronic Gulf, after having been present on the Ionian Sea from 1973 to 2015. Two other Saronic Gulf ferries, the PHIVOS, on which I had traveled a couple of hours before, along with the AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS. Though the former is 19 years older than the latter, she is the fastest ferry in the region, while the latter is the slowest. The MASTER JET seen yet again in Piraeus. The PHIVOS and the AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS resting in Piraeus. The AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS, in what was her fifteenth season operating on the Piraeus-Aegina line. Another picture of the two ships, with the bow of the POSIDON HELLAS of 2way Ferries also present in the picture. We docked in the E8 gate, in the departure area of the Saronic Gulf high speed craft. Present there was also the FLYING DOLPHIN XVII of Hellenic Seaways, the sister ship of the FLYING DOLPHIN XVIII. The AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS seen yet again. She began her career in Greece in 1999, as the PANAGIA SKIATHOU of the Northern Sporades and Evoia Shipping Company (which went on to become Hellas Speed Cat in 2008), on the Volos-Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos-Pyli line, before she was transferred to the Saronic Gulf in 2001, whereupon she was renamed AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS in honour of Aegina's patron Saint. She was sold to ANES Ferries in 2007, but she nevertheless remained on the Piraeus-Aegina line. The IONIS now ready to dock in Piraeus. During the 2015 season, she operated on the Piraeus-Aegina-Methana-Poros line. The legendary IONIS seen heading towards her docking spot. The FLYING DOLPHIN ATHINA seen right after disembarkation. Behind her was the CHAMPION JET 1 of Sea Jets, which had just returned from the Cyclades Islands. The CHAMPION JET 1 resting in Piraeus. I would find myself onboard that ship as well, nine days later, as I traveled with her from Santorini to Piraeus (through Ios, Folegandros, Milos and Sifnos). These two trips were exceptional to me, as I was able to enjoy the Greek coastal service ships for a fourth straight day, seeing many of them multiple times and obviously taking more photos of them. I was also very satisfied to see Aegina for the first time in many months. #saronicgulf #summer2015 #greece #aegean #piraeus #aegina #phivos #novaferries #saronicferries #achaeos #posidonhellas #2wayferries #flyingcat1 #flyingcat3 #flyingdolphinxviii #flyingdolphinxvii #hellenicseaways #bluehorizon #bluegalaxy #blustarpatmos #bluestarferries #elenaf #elenafshipping #agiosnektariosaeginas #anesferries #prevelis #aneklines #vitsentzoskornaros #lanesealines #panagiatinou #ventourissealines #andreaskalvos #zanteferries #masterjet #championjet1 #seajets #flyingdolphinathina #aegeanflyingdolphins #superfastxii #superfastferries #jetferry1 #gaferries #bobsfougkarakis #kavourisshipppingcompany #ionis #tyrogalasferries #ionisferries

Piraeus, the main port of Greece's capital city, Athens, is, by far, the most diverse and exciting port in the world for any shipping enthusiast like myself. It has been active for more than 2800 years, and is today the center of Greek shipping. It is the largest port on the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the largest port in Greece and the largest passenger port in Europe. The entire port spreads from Glyfada to the vicinity neighborhoods of Drapetsona, Keratsini and Perama, up until the Gulf of Salamina and the Elefsina Bay. Today, the passenger area of the port can fit more than 40 ships of different types. It is the gateway to the Aegean Sea and more specifically to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, the Northeast Aegean Sea Islands, the region of Macedonia, the Sporades and the Saronic Gulf, and also other countries on the Mediterranean Sea. For most tourists and people visiting the islands, their journey starts from Piraeus. Everyday, ferries, high speed craft and cruise ships come and go to transport passengers to and from the islands from the entire Aegean Sea. Apart from the port's ferry terminals, Piraeus also has many buildings that highlight Greece's shipping activities. Many Greek shipping companies have their office buildings there, as do many tourist and travel agencies and marketing companies. The photos below give the overall image of Piraeus' busy everyday life, and show a part of the heart of Greek shipping. Piraeus has 12 gates of departures, all managed by its Port Authority: E1: Dodecanese E2: Northeast Aegean Sea E3: Crete and Kythira entrance E4: Kythira exit E5: Bus terminals and pedestrians' entrance E6: Cyclades E7: Cyclades E8: Saronic Gulf E9: Cyclades and Northeast Aegean Sea E10: Cyclades and Northeast Aegean Sea E11: Cruise Terminal A E12: Cruise Terminal B One of the most recognisable buildings in Piraeus: the headquarters of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy, located right next to Gate E1. The building was completed in 2007, and also features the port's control tower. The Ministry Building seen from the opposite side of the port. The Ministry Building and a part of the control tower. Right next to the Ministry's headquarters, we can find the main port's two drydocks: the Main Vassiliadis Drydock and the Small Vassiliadis Drydock. The first one can fit regular conventional ferries and yachts, while the second one can fit small ferries, landing craft, double-ended ferries, tugs and other traditional boats. On the small drydock is the double-ended ferry ATHINA P of Athinais Lines, which operates on the Perama-Salamina line. The drydock is seen in the background of this picture. Next to it is the floating museum HELLAS LIBERTY, a former Liberty ship. She is one of the only three surviving members of her class, which operated for the United States during World War II. The class had 2710 ships. This one was donated to Greece by the United States in 2008 and she opened as a museum in 2010. The Main Vassiliadis Drydock. In this picture it refits the FAST FERRIES ANDROS, Fast Ferries' most recent acquisition, one month before she began her service from Rafina to the Cyclades. She spent her service on the Rafina-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos line during the summer of 2015, and is now on the company's main line: the Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos line. Next to the drydocks are the former Piraeus Shipyards, which have been abandoned since the main port became a full-time passenger port. The shipyards are now located in Drapetsona, Perama and Keratsini, all of which are part of the Piraeus Vicinity. However, the buildings are now decorated with advertisements related to the port, shipping companies or Greek culture. This building shows the Port Authority's advertisement for 2021, which will be one of the most important years in the history of Piraeus. It will mark the 2500th anniversary of the legendary battle of Salamina, the 200 years of Greek independence, and for this year Piraeus and Salamina are candidate cities in order to serve as the Cultural Capital Cities for the European Union. Next is this former shipyard which features an amazing graffiti work design showing the sculpture from 'The Victory of Samothraki'. The clock at the top still works today. Then comes another advertisement made by the Port Authority for 2021. It shows the planned construction of the Cultural Coast of Piraeus, which will be located in the same spot as the currently-abandoned shipyards. The new facilities will promote the city's status as Cultural Capital City for the European Union. The construction of this coast will normally begin in 2017. This is the Cruise Terminal A of the port, also known as Miaoulis. It can fit 4 medium-sized cruise ships at one time. A view of Cruise Terminal A, which can also fit small cruise ships and sailing ships. In this picture you can see the small cruise ship ARTEMIS of Grand Circle Travel Cruises, the Mexican training ship CUAUHTÉMOC, a tug boat and the bow of the CELESTYAL OLYMPIA of Celestyal Cruises. A very famous landmark of the port: the Piraeus Lion sculpture. It is a copy of the original sculpture, which is said to have been present in Piraeus since the 1st century. It remained there until 1687, when it was controversially stolen by the Venetians who occupied Athens during that time. It remains in Venice, and is displayed at the Venetian Arsenal. This building, located outside of the E6 Gate, is the Piraeus Port Authority's headquarters. The Port Authority, also known as OLP ('ΟΛΠ' in Greek) is the current owner and manager of the entire port. The overpass in front of the building, which looks like a sailing ship, connects the port with the electrical railway station of Piraeus (Line 1 of the Athens Metro). It was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the 2004 Summer Olympics which were held in Athens. This picture shows the Cyclades ferry ticket agencies seen in the front, featuring Blue Star Ferries' ticket-selling kiosks. In the background are the current and former Piraeus-based headquarter offices of ANEK Lines. The company has moved to the tall light blue building since 2014, leaving the dark blue and yellow building on the right deserted. The Hellenic Seaways headquarters, which are located in a beautiful Neoclassical six-story building right between the E7 gate and the E8 gate. The Southward-looking part of the building is known for displaying advertisements promoting Hellenic Seaways. That year, the advertisement sign featured the company's logo and two of its most important ships, namely the cruiseferry NISSOS MYKONOS (built in 2005) and the high speed ferry HIGHSPEED 4 (built in 2000). The kiosk of Zante Ferries, which is located right next to the E9 gate, where its ferries operating from Piraeus depart. Founded in 1991, the company was based on the Ionian Sea, primarily on the Kyllini-Zakynthos line, until it began an expansion on the Cyclades in 2008, with the acquisition of the conventional ferry ADAMANTIOS KORAIS. The success of the latter on the Western Cyclades led to the company bringing another ship previously based on the Ionian Sea to the region, namely the ANDREAS KALVOS. Therefore, in 2015, two ships of Zante Ferries operated on the Western Cyclades, while only one (namely the DIONISIOS SOLOMOS) operated on the Ionian Sea. The three ships' names are mentioned right next to the company's name, as are the islands served by the ships operating on the Aegean Sea. These are Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios and Santorini, which form the Western Cyclades lifeline which has been served with much success by the company since 2009. The kiosk of Minoan Lines, located next to the E3 gate. It is used by passengers traveling with the two ferries that operate for the company on the Aegean Sea. These are the KNOSSOS PALACE and the FESTOS PALACE, which connect Piraeus with Crete through the Piraeus-Heraklion line. The company's name, logo, website and destinations (including their service on the Adriatic Sea) are mentioned at the top of the kiosk. The former office building of Hellenic Seaways and GA Ferries. The former moved right down the street in 2007, while the latter has been defunct since 2009. It is there that Minoan Flying Dolphins (Hellas Flying Dolphins and Hellenic Seaways' predecessor) executive Pantelis Sfinias committed suicide on 29 November 2000, two months after his company's ship, namely the EXPRESS SAMINA, had sunk in Paros. Sfinias had been under pressure from the Greek Court and the Hellenic Coast Guard for apparently not respecting the safety measures on his ships. Unable to handle the increasing pressure from the media and the impending legal actions taken against him, he jumped from the sixth floor of this building. Lastly, the port is decorated with many advertising signs made by coastal service companies. Here are two notable signs that I found: The new advertisement sign of Hellenic Seaways for 2015, namely the new NISSOS RODOS itineraries following the ship's return to the Aegean Sea, for service to, Syros, Mykonos, Patmos, Ikaria and Samos, as shown by the sign. The ship also made stops in Chios, Mytilene, Limnos and Kavala. A sign from a tourist agency building which is very interesting. It was installed in the mid-1990s, as suggested by the companies which are advertised. Today, DANE Sea Line, GA Ferries, Agapitos Lines, Agapitos Express Ferries and the Cyclades Joint Venture are all defunct, and they are soon very likely to be joined by NEL Lines. Only Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines and LANE Sea Lines continue to operate. There are no doubts about this: Piraeus is a great port, with excellent organisation and with huge daily contribution the Greek maritime industry. It will surely improve even more in the future, and all eyes will be on it in 2021, where it will reveal its importance to history, culture and globalisation. #piraeus #buildings #summer2015 #greece #olp #agencies #signs #shipping #hellenicseaways #aneklines #zanteferries #minoanlines #athinap #athinaislines #fastferriesandros #fastferries #hellasliberty #port

Trip: 1 August 2022. From Salamina to Megara and back, with the PANAGIA KOIMISIS of Galaga Shipping Company. The small double-ended ferry PANAGIA KOIMISIS was built in 2005 in Greece, having been ordered by the Greek company NE Elafonisou, which, as its name states, is based in Elafonisos. She began service on the Pounta-Elafonisos line, thus becoming the first-ever double-ended ferry to operate there. She remained on that service until 2006. In 2007, after she was replaced by the then-newly-acquired landing craft PANAGIA KOIMISIS II (which is currently owned by Antiparos Shipping), she moved to the Arkitsa-Adipsos line on the North Evoian Gulf, where she remained until 2008. In 2009 she was sold to the Greek company Galaga Shipping and she was deployed on the Megara-Salamina line. From 2011 to 2014, she was gone from Greece, as she was chartered to the Abu Dhabi Port Council in the United Arab Emirates, and she operated on the Abu Dhabi-Sir Bani Yas line on the Persian Gulf. During her spell there, she was mostly carrying goods and personnel for the construction of various infrastructure projects on the island of Sir Bani Yas, which is located next to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, namely Abu Dhabi. After her assignment there was completed, she returned to Greece under Galaga Shipping Company in late 2014, and following a refit in Perama, she returned to the Megara-Salamina line in 2015. In 2016 she operated on the Perama-Salamina line for one season, before once again returning to the Megara-Salamina line in 2017. In 2020 she was chartered to Thassos Link, as a temporary replacement for the company's previous flagship, namely the double-ended ferry STELIOS FILIAGKOS, which had been sold to the Croatian company Jadrolinija in 2019. As the company made an extensive search in order to find a permanent successor, they proceeded to charter the PANAGIA KOIMISIS. She was deployed on the Keramoti-Thassos line, where she stayed for two seasons. After the company deployed their newest acquisition, namely the double-ended ferry PROTOPOROS VI, in late 2021, her charter was ended and she returned to Galaga Shipping Company, being once again deployed on the Megara-Salamina line. For such a small double-ended ferry (in fact being the second smallest in Greece, after the KYRIAKI of Troiziniaki NE), one can say that the career of the PANAGIA KOIMISIS has been quite lively, as she has had spells across five different services in Greece, in addition to being one of the few double-ended ferries to have left the country in order to operate overseas before eventually coming back. And all of this after having only sailed for 17 years. Therefore, despite her small size, she has proven to be extremely useful for a handful of short-distance services, and as a result she has been extremely versatile. This was shown when she proved to be a useful temporary solution to the void left by Thassos Link while they were trying to find a new ferry after having sold their previous one. Her owners have definitely profited from these assignments, while her role on the Megara-Salamina line fits her perfectly, serving as a double-ended ferry for a very short service and therefore covering it in just five minutes without requiring any maneuvering procedures. On 1 August 2022, I experienced a very eventful day around Piraeus and Salamina, as it was my first visit to both the port and the island for the 2022 season. After having witnessed several early morning departures and arrivals of various ships of the Greek coastal service in Piraeus, I then proceeded from the latter to Salamina by traveling with the small passenger ship ELENA F of Elena Shipping. With that ship, I arrived in the main port of Salamina, which is Paloukia. From there, I got to take several pictures of the various ships that operate on the Perama-Salamina line. And if that was not enough for that day, I then decided to head to the other primary port of Salamina, which is located in Faneromeni, on the Western part of the island. From there, small ferries link the island with the town of Megara, which is located on the Megara Gulf (itself being the Northern section of the Saronic Gulf) between Athens and Corinth, and which is not far from Elefsina and Agioi Theodoroi. This would be the second time that I would head there, after having gone there back in 2020. Therefore, two years later, I would find myself traveling there again with a new ferry for the first time. For the experience of traveling with the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, I simply headed to Faneromeni for a quick visit, and I got to do two consecutive trips with her (namely from Salamina to Megara and back), so that I could then return to Paloukia in order to then head back to Piraeus. As such, my first two trips with the ship are covered in this post. As such, these were my third and fourth trips along the Megara-Salamina line, with the first one having been from Megara to Salamina on 14 August 2020 with the PANTANASSA of Pantanassa NE, and the second one being my return from Megara to Salamina on that same day with the AIANTAS of Aiantas Ferries Company. These were also my first trips on the Megara-Salamina line with a double-ended ferry, and the PANAGIA KOIMISIS was the first of the many ships on which I traveled for the first time in my life during the 2022 season. A view of the small PANAGIA KOIMISIS in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. This was her first summer back on the Megara-Salamina line since 2019, after she had spent the previous two seasons under charter to Thassos Link, for whom she operated on the Keramoti-Thassos line. The PANAGIA KOIMISIS seen in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina, moments before I embarked onboard her for the first time. Next to the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, I saw one of the three other ships that were operating on the Megara-Salamina line during the 2022 season. Indeed, this was the landing craft ALKYON II of Farmakoris-Villiotis NE. Built in 2018 in Greece, she began operations on the Megara-Salamina line, where she stayed up until 2022, with the exception of the 2019 season, which she spent on the Pounta-Elafonisos line (where her company was, coincidentally, under the Elafonisos Ferry joint venture together with the original owners of the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, namely NE Elafonisou). I proceeded to embarking onboard the PANAGIA KOIMISIS. Here is a view of her accommodation superstructure, which like most double-ended ferries, is above a wide open garage. She also has side ramps which allow the passengers to take the staircases that lead to the accommodation superstructure. Moreover, in spite of her small size, her accommodation superstructure has three decks, just like most Greek-built double-ended ferries. The lower deck features the indoor lounge area for passengers, the middle deck has the crew cabins and the outdoor areas for passengers, while the upper deck has the ship's bridge. The ship's name is written with the Byzantine lettering. This is due to her being named after the Dormition of the Mother of God in Greek. As a result of her name having a religious meaning, it was written this way, and this feature has been noted with other ships of the Greek coastal service which are also named after individuals or symbols of the Eastern Orthodox Church, such as the AGIOS NEKTARIOS AEGINAS of ANES Ferries. Above her name, one can also see her IMO number, which is 8735912. I immediately headed to the lower deck, where I saw the indoor lounge area of the ship. It features several lounge benches and a few tables, with the interior being mostly decorated in blue, which is also the colour of the ship's livery. I also got to see the ship's fire control plan, which was posted next to one of the doors of the indoor lounge area. Another view of the indoor lounge area, featuring several blue lounge benches. The indoor lounge area also featured an icon depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God, after whom she is named. Underneath, it features an offering box in which passengers would donate to the Church of Our Lady of Kato Nisi, which is the name of a small village in Elafonisos, where the ship operated during the start of her career. Another view of the indoor longe area, which also had a glass cover showing the name of the original owners of the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, written in Greek. This is the full style name of NE Elafonisou, being Lakonian and Kythirian Lines NE Elafonisou. The acronym 'NE' stands for 'Naftiliaki Etaireia', which means 'shipping company' in Greek. After having seen the ship's indoor areas, I headed to the middle deck in order to see the outdoor area. There, I saw several blue plastic chairs and a few white tables attached to the floor. Another view of the outdoor area of the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, showing more blue plastic chairs and white plastic tables. From the middle deck, this was a view of one of the two entry points of the ship, with the side ramps leading passengers to the accommodation superstructure. While looking further down, I spotted the third out of the four ships that served the Megara-Salamina line during the 2022 season, namely the landing craft KAPTAN STAVROS of Kaptan Stavros NE. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. Built in 1979 in Greece, she was spending her first season on the Megara-Salamina line. The KAPTAN STAVROS spotted in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. At 43 years old, she is one of the oldest landing craft in the Greek coastal service, but she continues to provide reliable services just like she has done so throughout her lengthy career. Looking even further down, I got to see the fourth ship that operated on the Megara-Salamina line during the 2022 season, namely the landing craft AIANTAS of Aiantas Ferries Company. She was seen departing the port of Megara in order to head to Salamina. The AIANTAS seen while undergoing her maneuvering procedure in order to leave the port of Megara. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen while resting in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. She has spent her entire career under Kaptan Stavros NE, having always kept the same name. She first began service on the Arkitsa-Aidpsos line (where the PANAGIA KOIMISIS also used to operate) from 1979 until 2007. After 28 years there, she moved to another service on the North Evoian Gulf, namely on the Glyfa-Agiokampos line, in 2007. After three season there, she moved to the Rion-Antirrion line in 2010. By the 2021 season, she was one of the last landing craft that were still operating on that service, and in 2022 she eventually moved to the Megara-Salamina line. The AIANTAS now seen heading towards Salamina. The AIANTAS seen making her way towards Salamina. She was built in 1999 in Greece, and she has spent the bulk of her career on the Megara-Salamina. At 14:10, we began to leave the port of Faneromeni in Salamina in order to head to Megara. Here is a view of the KAPTAN STAVROS together with the ALKYON II. These are two landing craft that have been 39 years apart from each other, which is quite impressive when you think of it. A view of the much younger ALKYON II, which was spending her third consecutive season on the Megara-Salamina line, as well as her fourth overall season on that service. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. This had been the second time that I saw her, as the first time had been when I went to Rion on 8 September 2021. This was during her last season on the Rion-Antirrion line, and I had spotted her while heading from Rion to Antirrion with the ORION III of Farmakoris-Villiotis NE (which is a fleetmate of the ALKYON II), as well as during my return leg on that same day with the AGIOS ELEFTHERIOS IV of Feidias NE. While we were heading towards Megara, the AIANTAS was seen sailing towards the opposite direction. The AIANTAS seen while heading towards the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. Crossing the AIANTAS while she is heading towards the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. The AIANTAS seen once again, as she makes her way towards the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. The AIANTAS seen about to arrive in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina, with the KAPTAN STAVROS spotted right behind her. The AIANTAS seen as she is arriving in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina in order to dock next to the ALKYON II. A view of the port of Faneromeni in Salamina, which features three landing craft. These are the KAPTAN STAVROS and the AKLYON II, which are about to be joined by the AIANTAS. The summer of 2022 marked the first time that the Megara-Salamina had over four ships since the 2018 season, back when there were five ships operating there. These were the PANAGIA KOIMISIS, the AIANTAS, the ALKYON II and her fleetmate and sister ship, namely the ALKYON, along with the landing craft MARILENA of Elafonisos Ferries. The following three seasons only had a three-ship service, before this increased to four this year, due to the addition of the KAPTAN STAVROS. At about 14:15, we had arrived in Megara, and therefore my first trip with the PANAGIA KOIMISIS was completed. The PANAGIA KOIMISIS seen in Megara, while unloading passengers and vehicles. The PANAGIA KOIMISIS seen while docked in Salamina. The PANAGIA KOIMISIS seen in Megara, just before I proceeded to embarking onboard her for the second time, in order to perform the return leg from Megara back to Salamina. I embarked onboard the PANAGIA KOIMISIS for a second time. From Megara, I took a picture of the KAPTAN STAVROS which was still docked in Salamina. The KAPTAN STAVROS was seen departing the port of Faneromeni in Salamina, in order to begin heading towards Megara. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen having departed Salamina. Next to the KAPTAN STAVROS, I also saw the AIANTAS beginning to leave Salamina as well. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen having left Salamina in order to head to Megara. At around 14:30, the PANAGIA KOIMISIS began to leave Megara in order to make her return trip. I again saw the AIANTAS as she was leaving the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen as we are about to pass by her while she heads towards Megara. The AIANTAS seen while she leaves the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. Out of the four ships that operated on the Megara-Salamina line during the 2022 season, she has been the one that has had the most experience on the service. Indeed, she operated there from 1999 to 2009, when she then headed to the Arkitsa-Aidipsos line (similarly to the PANAGIA KOIMISIS and the KAPTAN STAVROS). In 2010 she moved to another service on the North Evoian Gulf, namely on the Agios Konstantinos-Agios Georgios Lichados line, where she stayed for three seasons. Since 2013 she has been operating on the Megara-Salamina line once again. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen while making her way towards Megara, during her debut season on the Megara-Salamina line. For the 2022 season, only one landing craft was seen operating on the Rion-Antirrion line, and this was the PANTANASSA which moved there after having spent two years on the Megara-Salamina line. The other landing craft that was operating on the Rion-Antirrion line in 2021 was the NIKOLAOS A of Anatoliotakis NE, which was laid-up in Rion in 2022, although she was sold during that same time to Boufis Shipping Company, for whom she has been renamed ANTONIOS M. A view of the KAPTAN STAVROS as we are about to pass by her, just as she heads towards Megara. The KAPTAN STAVROS seen once again, as she is heading towards Megara. The AIANTAS seen as she undergoes her maneuvering procedure in order to leave Salamina. As I stated previously, I had the chance to travel with her back on 14 August 2020, when I headed from Megara back to Salamina. The AIANTAS seen while leaving Salamina, during her tenth consecutive season on the Megara-Salamina line. One last view of the veteran landing craft KAPTAN STAVROS as she heads towards Megara. The AIANTAS seen while she also heads towards Megara. The ALKYON II seen in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. This would prove to be one of my final pictures of the ship, as she has recently been sold to the Emirati company Abu Dhabi Maritime, having been renamed AL ALIAH. She is currently undergoing her refit in order to head to the United Arab Emirates of her new career. She is therefore going to head to the same country where the PANAGIA KOIMISIS had previously operated from 2011 to 2014. The AIANTAS seen as she heads towards Megara, while we are about to dock in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. The AIANTAS seen in Salamina, while beginning to head towards Megara. A notable fact to state is that she has a sister ship, namely the OLYMPIOS ZEUS of ANEM Ferries, which operates on the Western Kos-Kalymnos line on the Dodecanese since 2006. She was previously known as the MARGARITA II of Margarita NE, for whom she operated on the Perama-Salamina line (where the AIANTAS occasionally operated during the winter between 1999 and 2009). One last view of the AIANTAS, as she heads towards Megara, while the PANAGIA KOIMISIS is about to dock in the port of Faneromeni in Salamina. And this marks the end of my post after having covered the back-to-back trips that I had with the PANAGIA KOIMISIS. I really enjoyed traveling again along the Megara-Salamina after two years, and I was very pleased to have had the chance to do it with that specific ship. Her technical characteristics are more than fitting for this short service, and she is a very nice ship to see in any case. Despite her not being in the spotlight in the same way larger ferries based in Piraeus would be, she still has had a very eventful career as she has been sent across numerous services both in Greece and abroad (on a temporary basis), and this makes her a very useful double-ended ferry for her owners and any operators willing to charter her. These two trips were not the only ones that I had with the ship during the 2022 season, as I also went to travel with her for the third time only three months later, having done so while heading from Megara to Salamina on 5 November 2022. Therefore, she became one of the ships on which I traveled the most times during that special year. After having returned to Salamina, I headed back to the port of Paloukia, in order to make my return trip back to Piraeus. This therefore concluded a full day during which I managed to take over 700 pictures across 11 hours. This was a very special day which I will hardly forget, and which also gave me the perfect prelude for what turned out to be an extremely lively season, as I would go on to sail with various ships of the Greek coastal service to different islands, beginning from the day after my trips with the PANAGIA KOIMISIS. More information will be revealed in the next post! #panagiakoimisis #galashippingcompany #summer2022 #greece #megaragulf #saronicgulf #aegean #megara #pachi #salamina #faneromeni #alkyonii #farmakorisvilliotisne #kaptanstavros #kaptanstavrosne #aiantas #aiantasferriescompany #tribute #backtobacktrips