Blue Star Paros Launched

The first of two new ultra modern ferry vessels for the Cyclades routes slid gently into the waters outside of the Daewoo Shipyards in Korea last month. Christened Blue Star Paros, the first vessel now undergoes its inside dressing stage with some of the most luxurious furnishings to be found on ferries sailing Greek waters.

Once it arrives in Piraeus this coming May, Blue Star Paros, , will host up to 1,500 passengers and carry as many as 210 vehicles to the islands of Paros, Naxos and Santorini.

Together with the recently built Blue Star Ithaki, which began sailing on the above route after its inauguration in the summer of last year, Blue Star Paros will allow owner Blue Star Ferries (Stintzis Lines) to double its sailings during the busy summer periods.

The newest vessel, a sister ship of the Ithaki, has a top speed of 26 knots and is capable of travel in all types of weather.

The second vessel under construction at the Daewoo Shipyards, to be christened the Blue Star Naxos, is expected to be completed and arrive at Piraeus Port before the beginning of this coming summer.

Another three ships are currently under construction at Greek shipyards. Blue Star’s advertising and marketing manager, Dionyssis Theodoratos, says the construction of the vessels are progressing as planned.  Once all ships are delivered, the company will own a fleet of 17 of the most modern vessels that ply Greek waters.

He also says that the recent agreement between Superfast Ferries operator Attikis Enterprises and cruise line Costa Crociere would greatly strengthen the Blue Star company, especially with regards to increased sales and revenue.

Attika owns the majority of shares in Blue Star Ferries and Carnival Corporation does the same with Costa Crociere.