On August 9, 2021 the former AZORES EXPRESS of Hellenic Med Ferries performed her sea trials under the Seajets ownership. She was purchased at the end of July and renamed AQUA STAR. According to the information she will be probably introduced within the next few days temporarily on the Lavrio – Agios Efstratios – Lemnos – Kavala line.
AZORES EXPRESS (7.657gt/1975) mission to Alexandroupolis eventually turned into a fiasco. The Italian-built ferry was send there –on 11 August– in order to replace SAOS II (2.149gt/2001) and SAONISSOS (1.142gt/1994) of the SAOS FERRIES which suffered serious engine problems. And because SAOS FERRIES abandoned the line.
However, she failed to enter the port and returned back to Alexandroupolis on one engine, causing a massive reaction from the public. Samothrace still has no connection with Alexandroupolis, something that suggests poor planning and decision-making.
On the other hand, the Hellenic Med Lines simply issued an announcement confirming the cancellation of the ship’s trips until 31 August. So, the next candidate for this summer’s “Odyssey” line is Seajets’ HSC ANDROS JET (2.695gt/1997) and the double ended ANAX (2.600gt/2018).. and we’ll see..
Photo: Evros-TV
On May 16, 2019, Atlantico Line announced that AZORES EXPRESS (7.657gt/1975) eventually will not be introduced on the seasonal Azores routes on May 23, 2019.
It is underlined that the ship is delayed in Greece as her major hull conversion has not been finished yet and so she can’t obtain the proper certificates. The ship will start as soon as is ready. However, the conversion repairs are in progress and the ship will carry out her sea trials within the week.