With Hellenic continuing to fight-off a takeover bid by the Grimaldi-backed Minoan Lines, introduction of the NISSOS SAMOS further strengthens the Piraeus-based company's claims it is a "pylon of the ferry sector and of the Greek economy in general".

According to Hellenic's md, Antonis Agapitos, the vessel marks the "reversal of the climate for the company and its return to growth, and at the same time upgrades the access provided to the islands of the northeastern Aegean".
July 29 the vessel began servicing Piraeus - Chios - Lesvos - Limnos and Thessaloniki.

Within the framework of its investment plan Hellenic spent a total €15m of its own equity bringing the ferry into service since purchasing it as the 1988-built IONIAN QUEEN last December for less than € 3m. Some €12m was spent on reconstruction and renovation carried out in Greece's Perama shiprepair zone.

Prior to Greece's Shipping and Island Policy minister, Thodoris Dritsas, hoisting the Greek flag over the 30,435gt Japanese built NISSOS SAMOS, Hellenic has this summer introduced the 1997-built 35-knot 724-passenger HELLENIC HIGHSPEED and the 42-knot, 1,160-passenger catamaran HIGHSPEED 7, built 2005.

The NISSOS SAMOS, which had spent nearly three years in layup in Patras, before being purchased has been fully refurbished, with all safety systems and accommodation areas significantly upgraded in terms of reliability and luxury. It has a capacity of 2,210 passengers, 750 cars and a crew of 94.

Agapitos that now the company has returned to profit, the NISSOS SAMOS further strengthens Hellenic's presence in the market and will "help profitability".