Thessaloniki – Izmir Ferry Service Expected in September

Screenshot from the Smyrna di Levante test Thessaloniki-Izmir route. Source: Levante Ferries

A new ferry service that will connect Thessaloniki in northern Greece with Izmir in Turkey, with a stopover at Lesvos’ port, is expected to begin next month.

According to a report by Greek news site grtimes.gr, the new ferry service will launch by Levante Ferries’ with its “Smyrna di Levante” ship will begin towards the end of September.

The ferry will connect Thessaloniki with Izmir three times a week, carrying both passengers and freight vehicles.

The route will include a stopover in Mytilini, Lesvos, until October 2.

Screenshot from the Smyrna di Levante test Thessaloniki-Izmir route. Source: Levante Ferries

Established in 2015, Levante Ferries mainly serves the Ionian islands but sees the Thessaloniki – Izmir route as an opportunity to expand its services abroad. The company has invested 16 million euros in the new route.

According to reports, the new route has been delayed for several reasons such the Covid-19 pandemic which stood as an obstacle in the remodeling process of the “Smyrna di Levante” ship. Other reasons included technical issues such as the handling of passenger and freight traffic at the port of Alsancak in Izmir, and efforts to reduce high port fees.

Reports also said that the Thessaloniki Port Authority is currently making necessary arrangements in order for the Greek city’s port to be ready to receive Levante Ferries’ passengers and cargo from September.

Screenshot from the Smyrna di Levante test Thessaloniki-Izmir route. Source: Levante Ferries

The “Smyrna di Levante” ship is 160m; can carry 930 passengers and 55 vehicles; and includes 77 passenger cabins with a total of 210 beds. It can travel at a maximum speed of 19 knots.

The Thessaloniki – Izmir journey will last 12-13 hours.