43 Years Old Japanese Ship ‘Prevelis’ Visits Northeast Aegean And Chios Port

The Ro-Ro/Passenger Ship Prevelis has served for numerous years on the desolate route in the southeast Aegean region. It recently embarked on a voyage through the islands of the Northeast Aegean and the port of Chios. 

While some people expressed concerns about the ship’s age, maritime and ship enthusiasts saw this as a unique opportunity to witness the rich history of this Japanese vessel within Greek shipping.

Constructed in 1980 at the Shipyards of IMABARI SHIPBUILDING GROUP in Japan, the vessel was earlier known as FERRY ORANGE 2 and mainly operated within Japan, enabling travel between Tokyo and nearby ports. 

It measures 142.5 meters lengthwise and 23.50 meters breadthwise and has a draft of 5.52 meters.

With a cruising speed of 19 knots, the vessel can accommodate about 927 passengers and 310 vehicles, offering 251 beds and 179 airline seats.

Video Credits: Chiosphotos.gr / YouTube

In 1994, it was acquired by Cretan Ferries, a company based in Rethymno and subsequently renamed Preveli. 

Serving the Piraeus-Rethymno route, Preveli continued its operations until 2007. After the acquisition of Cretan Ferries by ANEK Lines in 2000, the ship was rechristened Prevelis in 2001.

In 2008, Prevelis was redeployed to the Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini route. 

However, since 2009, it has served an arduous coastal ferry connection within Greece, linking the remote islands of Kasos and Karpathos on the Piraeus-Milos-Santorini-Anafi-Heraklion-Sitea-Kasos-Karpathos-Halki-Rhodes line. This demanding route has been faithfully served by Prevelis for the past 14 years.

The journey of Prevelis from its origins as FERRY ORANGE 2 in Japan to its current role in linking several Greek islands is a testament to its endurance and adaptability within the shipping industry.