Τhe vessel, which was built in 1977, was acquired by Levante Ferries in June 2019, and was renamed SMYRNA, which is the Greek name of the city of Izmir in Turkey, one of the ancient ports of the Mediterranean.
In order to meet the high Levante Ferries’ standards and to comply with the latest European Safety Rules and Regulations, the vessel is currently undergoing a conversion by Kopoukis Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and a full interior refurbishment designed by Molindris+Associates, the architecture and design office based in Athens, Greece, that has also been responsible for the interior re-design of the entirety of Levante Ferries fleet, including the company’s first vessel, the award-winning FIOR DI LEVANTE.
The architects’ inspiration behind the interior is “East meets West”: a junction of two ancient civilizations, combining design elements from both cultures in a fresh, current manner. The artistic impressions by Molindris+Associates, showcase what the vessel will look like once completed.
The transformation is taking place at the New Drapetsona Repair Dock in the south west of Athens, and it is estimated to be complete in early 2022.
