Greek ferry giant Attica Group is selling two large ropaxes it inherited as part of its takeover of Cretan operator Anek Lines two years ago.
The 27,200-gt sister ships Kriti I and Kriti II (both built 1979) have been linked by recycling sector sources to negotiations with undisclosed recycling interests . They are being sold on an “as is, where is” basis.
Both are among the longest-serving Greek ferries, having been acquired by Anek from Japan’s Shin Nihonkai Ferry in 1996.
After extensive rebuilding, the ships were initially deployed on Adriatic services linking Greece with Italy, and in their later years were used on domestic runs between Piraeus and Heraklion on the island of Crete, along with occasional charters to foreign ferry operators.
The duo proved extremely popular with passengers. And their ability to carry 1,400 passengers, and vast numbers of cars, trucks and trailers on their copious vehicle decks made them very profitable for Anek.
After years of hard use, the Kriti I was withdrawn from service in early 2022 ahead of a special survey that would have proved costly for the cash-strapped Anek. It was laid up at the Drapetsona Mole in Piraeus to serve as a spare parts donor for its sister ship.
The Kriti II soldiered on for a couple more years, but its age began taking a toll. The ship was frequently plagued with engine problems and breakdowns.
In early 2024, shortly after Anek’s takeover by Attica had been finalised, the decision was taken to permanently withdraw the Kriti II from service.
Both ships were towed to Elefsis Bay, where they remain moored alongside a raft of other laid-up Greek-owned ships awaiting their fate, which will most likely be at recycling facilities in Turkey.
Greek ferry operators and maritime authorities have been under pressure from the government to upgrade the domestic ferry fleet and reduce its age profile.
Attica announced last July that it had entered into a deal with Stena RoRo to lease two of the Swedish tonnage provider’s 240-metre E-Flexer ropax newbuildings.
The pair will be purpose-built for Attica’s Adriatic Superfast Ferries operation by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Weihai, and will be able to use different fuels. They will be fitted with battery hybrid operation and many other fuel-saving features.
The company said they will set new standards for the entire Greek ferry industry.
Attica did not respond to emailed requests for comment about the Kriti I and Kriti II.(Copyright)
