Greek ferry sources report that Ablemonas, a newly established Greek ferry operator, is tying up a deal to acquire the 2,600-gt ro-pax ferry Ionis (built 1977).
The aim of the company is to operate the ship between the Greek mainland and the island of Kythiria.
The island has been without a dedicated passenger and ro-ro service to the port of Piraeus for the past two months after incumbent holder of the subsidized public service route, Lane Sea Lines, withdrew its 6,400-gt ro-pax ferry Vitsentzos Kornaros (built 1976) from service due to engine problems.
The Greek Ministry of Shipping subsequently withdrew Lane’s public service contract for the route citing poor performance. A new tender for the contract has been issued.
It is not clear whether Ablemonas is bidding on the tender or intends to use its ship on a shorter route. The company is said to be linked to the owners of Porfyrousa Maritime Co, which operates a short-distance ferry run between Kythiria and the port of Neapoli on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Currently owned by Tyrogalas & Co Shipping, the Ionis has been laid up since the beginning of this year after a charter to Piraeus-based Leve Ferries ended in acrimony.
