Levante Ferries recently revealed SMYRNA DI LEVANTE’s (former KOPERNIK/1977) modern profile. The ferry was purchased in April 2019 and is currently undergoing a complete overhaul, a major technological upgrade, as well as a complete remodeling and renovation of her interiors (see our presentation).
She will be introduced soon on the Thessaloniki-Izmir line, offering the well-known quality service and safety standards of Levante Ferries.
Greek Levante Ferries announced the purchase of the Marix Lines’ QUEEN CORAL 8 from Japan. She is the sixth vessel added to its fleet and will be converted into a ropax ferry with a carrying capacity for 1,300 passengers and 430 cars or 80 trucks (12m) [1,000 lane meters].
The ship was built in 1999 (Kanda Shipbuilding) and is currently at the port of Kure. She will be probably renamed CONTESSA DI LEVANTE and serve the Ionian Sea replacing the older KEFALONIA (1975), which will be probably move to another line.
In The picture: LIEKUT
SeaRoad’s new charter vessel LIEKUT departed Cape Town on 9 March bound for Melbourne and is scheduled to arrive at Station Pier on 26 March.
In preparation for LIEKUT’s arrival – which will service the Bass Strait route – SeaRoad has invested $15 million in developing the East Devonport terminal. This includes fendering, berth strengthening, and mooring bollards works, which are currently being completed for the 210-metre-long ship. In Melbourne, $600,000 of fendering relocation, pile restoration and mooring bollards works are also close to completion.
SeaRoad’s total lane metre capacity will grow by almost 70% when LIEKUT replaces the existing SEAROAD TAMAR.
LIEKUT will conduct its maiden, non-commercial, voyage from Melbourne on 1 April, arriving in Devonport on 2 April for operational testing.
The ship will then depart Devonport on its first commercial voyage on 5 April (Easter Monday) and travel to Webb Dock, Port Melbourne overnight, arriving on 6 April.
Levante Ferries Released Renderings From SMYRNAS’ Interior Conversion
Levante Ferries revealed renderings from the remodeled interior of SMYRNA, former ROSTOCK of Unity Line.
The ship is undergoing an extensive conversion. Her interior decoration will meet two cultures, East and West, since the oriental element is combined with the modern.
SMYRNA is expected to be dry docked in the summer, while she will be probably introduced on the Thessaloniki – Smyrna line in early 2022.
Renderings: Molindris / Levante Ferries
The conversion on the Levante Ferries’ new acquisition SMYRNA (14,216gt/1977) -ex-KOPERNIK- is in progress. According to the company’s official site, the conversion involves extensive repairs to the engine room, the creation of a new ramp in the garage as well as the complete refurbishment of the public spaces in order to comply with Levante Ferries standards and specifications.
This means that we are going to experience yet another excellent refurbish and conversion. The Norwegian-built vessel will be introduced on the much wanted Thessaloniki-Izmir line, fully renovated, in a few months.
After a seven-year laid up in Ambelakia (Salamis), the Japanese built HSC ALKYONI is reported to be sold to Cyprus-based Plaxiven Consulting Ltd.
The ship has already been renamed CAT 1 and there are plans to introduce her on the Sporades route.
ALKIONI was purchased by Antonis Lelakis in February 2006.
In 2007 she was chartered to the Egyptian Namma Shipping for the Safaga – Dhebba run and renamed SHIKRA.
In 2010 she was chartered to the My Ferries and renamed MYCAT.
However, that charter fell through and she was chartered to NEL LINES, which introduced her on the Sporades run until 2012.
Levante Ferries officially confirmed the purchase of the ro-pax KOPERNIK which was laid up at Neos Molos for more than two months.
The ship was sold for scrap to Turkey -by Unity Line- and arrived in Piraeus last April, in order to be renamed PERN and have her flag changed before continuing to Aliaga.
However, her excellent overall condition saved her the last minute and Levante Ferries is expected to introduce her on the Smyrni-Thessaloniki run.
Kefalonian Lines announced officially its withdrawal –after 5 years- from the Ionian Sea. The company decided:
This decision, is certainly not serving the Ionian island’s interests, however, the fierce competition in combination with the sustainability reasons presented by Kefalonian Lines, leave Levante Ferries free to dominate the Ionian Sea.
Some interesting facts though are:
Levante Ferries is expected to spend almost EUR 10 million for the purchase and conversion of Kefalonian Line’s, NISSOS KEFALONIA.
The ship is expected to return fully upgraded on the Killini – Zakynthos and Killini – Poros route before summer.
Kefalonian Lines announced officially its withdrawal –after 5 years- from the Ionian Sea. The company decided:
This decision, is certainly not serving the Ionian island’s interests, however, the fierce competition in combination with the sustainability reasons presented by Kefalonian Lines, leave Levante Ferries free to dominate the Ionian Sea.
Some interesting facts though are:
Levante Ferries is expected to spend almost EUR 10 million for the purchase and conversion of Kefalonian Line’s, NISSOS KEFALONIA.
The ship is expected to return fully upgraded on the Killini – Zakynthos and Killini – Poros route before summer.