Seajets
Seajets is a Greek-Cypriot ferry company founded in 1989 that operates high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries primarily in the Aegean Sea, connecting the Cyclades islands, Crete, and other destinations from mainland ports such as Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Thessaloniki, and Volos.[1][2] Established by Panagiotis Iliopoulos and his son Marios Iliopoulos— with the latter serving as the current owner—Seajets began as Dolphin Sea Lines before rebranding and launching its passenger services in 2002, quickly expanding to become one of Greece's leading operators of high-speed craft.[2][1] The company maintains the largest high-speed fleet in the Aegean, comprising 33 modern vessels including catamarans, monohulls, and trimarans, with capacities ranging from 300 to 1,750 passengers and speeds up to 50 knots on flagship ships like the Worldchampion Jet.[3][1] Seajets' network spans over 400 interconnections across 50 ports, emphasizing punctual, comfortable, and safe travel to support Greek tourism, local communities, and extended island-hopping seasons. In 2025, it expanded routes to the Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese, and acquired additional high-speed vessels.[1][3][4][5] Notable for its role in boosting connectivity in the Cyclades and Crete, the company also engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives in education, sports, culture, and environmental protection.[1] Under Marios Iliopoulos's leadership, Seajets has acquired additional vessels, including former cruise ships repurposed for ferry operations, solidifying its position as a key player in Mediterranean maritime transport.[2][6]Corporate Profile
Founding and Background
Seajets was founded in 1989 by Panagiotis Iliopoulos (1932–2022) and his son Marios Iliopoulos under the name Dolphin Sea Lines, initially active in the Greek shipping sector.[2] The company, which maintains strong Greek/Cypriot operational ties, established its headquarters in Piraeus, Greece, positioning itself at the heart of the Aegean ferry network.[6][7] In the early 2000s, Dolphin Sea Lines underwent a rebranding to Seajets, reflecting its strategic shift toward high-speed ferry services to enhance efficiency and appeal in the competitive island-hopping market.[2] Seajets officially launched its passenger ferry operations in 2002, beginning with chartered high-speed vessels primarily serving routes to the Cyclades islands, a key tourist hub in the Aegean Sea.[1] This marked the company's entry into scheduled inter-island transport, capitalizing on the growing demand for quicker connections between popular destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. A pivotal milestone came in 2004 when Seajets acquired its first owned high-speed catamaran, the Super Jet, which solidified its commitment to modern, swift vessels over slower traditional options.[8] From its inception, Seajets adopted a business model centered on prioritizing speed and service frequency to minimize travel times, distinguishing itself from conventional roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries that emphasize larger capacity for vehicles and cargo.[9] This approach allowed the company to cater effectively to time-sensitive tourists and locals, fostering rapid growth from a modest operator to a prominent player in Greece's high-speed ferry landscape by focusing on reliable, express routes in the Cyclades.[6]Ownership and Leadership
Seajets is primarily owned by the Iliopoulos family, with Marios Iliopoulos serving as CEO and majority stakeholder since the death of his father and co-founder Panagiotis Iliopoulos in 2022.[10][11] The company operates as a privately held Greek-Cypriot entity, reflecting its roots in both nations' maritime traditions.[2] Marios Iliopoulos brings extensive experience in shipping to his leadership role, having previously been involved in tanker operations through companies such as Suez Rajan Shipping Ltd., before co-founding Seajets in 1989.[12] In 2019, a UK court ruled that Iliopoulos orchestrated a fraudulent scheme by staging a pirate attack on the tanker Brillante Virtuoso in 2011 to claim around $77 million in insurance; he has denied the allegations.[12] The board of directors includes family members alongside maritime industry experts who provide specialized oversight on operations and strategy.[13] This family-centric governance structure has shaped Seajets' aggressive expansion strategy, driving significant fleet growth through high-profile vessel acquisitions and fostering international partnerships to broaden its network beyond the Aegean.[14][15]Historical Development
Early Years and Market Entry
Seajets' precursor operations began in 1989 when the Iliopoulos family entered the Greek shipping industry, initially operating under the name Dolphin Sea Lines with limited services in a highly competitive ferry market.[16] During this pre-2002 phase, the company focused on modest activities, including charters for routes in the Cyclades islands, while navigating economic constraints that affected the broader Greek maritime sector.[1] These early efforts laid the groundwork for future expansion but were constrained by the dominance of established players and the challenges of building a foothold in passenger transport. In 2002, Dolphin Sea Lines marked its formal entry into the passenger ferry market by launching high-speed services with its inaugural catamaran vessels, Sea Jet 1 and Sea Jet 2, chartered to provide faster connections from Piraeus and Rafina to key Cyclades destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.[17] This move targeted the growing tourist demand for efficient island-hopping, differentiating the newcomer from conventional ferry operators such as Blue Star Ferries through emphasis on speed and flexibility in a market characterized by intense rivalry.[18] The company encountered early financial pressures amid rising fuel costs and operational hurdles in the Aegean, prompting a strategic shift to specialize in the high-speed niche, which allowed it to carve out a distinct position despite initial struggles against larger incumbents. By 2004, a key milestone was reached with the acquisition of its first owned vessel, the Super Jet, enhancing reliability and capacity on Cyclades routes. This period saw steady passenger growth, reflecting the appeal of high-speed options and contributing to Seajets' rebranding and consolidation by 2005.[17]Expansion in the Aegean
During the period from 2006 to 2015, Seajets underwent significant growth in its operations across the Aegean Sea, transitioning from a niche operator to a dominant player in high-speed ferry services by aggressively expanding its route network and fleet. The company increased its interconnections from an initial handful of routes to over 50, enhancing connectivity between mainland ports and island destinations, including extensions to northern Aegean ports such as Volos and Thessaloniki. This proliferation of routes supported seasonal tourism demands and improved inter-island links in the Cyclades and beyond.[19] Seajets bolstered its fleet during this era through the purchase of more than 10 high-speed catamarans, many of which were secondhand vessels built by renowned yards like Incat and Austal. This shift from primarily chartering vessels to outright ownership allowed for greater operational control and reliability, with examples including Austal-built catamarans entering service to meet rising demand for faster travel times. By 2015, these acquisitions had positioned Seajets as the leader in Aegean high-speed ferries, with a focus on passenger comfort and speed.[19][20] The company's market impact was substantial, capturing approximately 30% of the Cyclades high-speed market by 2015 and forming partnerships with local tourism boards to promote seasonal route boosts, which helped stimulate visitor numbers despite economic headwinds. These efforts contributed to an oligopolistic structure in the Greek ferry sector, where Seajets competed effectively with larger groups like Attica.[19] However, the Greek debt crisis from 2009 to 2015 presented major challenges, leading to delayed investments, route suspensions, and reduced passenger volumes—from 21.1 million in 2009 to 17.6 million in 2016 across the sector—as fuel costs soared and financing for new vessels became scarce. Seajets navigated these difficulties by relying on secondhand acquisitions rather than new builds, maintaining growth while many competitors faced losses exceeding €200 million in peak crisis years.[20]Acquisitions and Modern Era
Following the Greek economic challenges of the mid-2010s, Seajets implemented route optimizations and introduced digital ticketing to streamline operations and improve customer access between 2016 and 2018, aiding recovery in the Aegean ferry market.[21] A pivotal shift occurred in 2020 when Seajets entered the cruise market by acquiring several vessels amid the global pandemic's disruptions in the shipping industry, including the MS Veendam and MS Maasdam from Holland America Line for repurposing in Greek waters.[22][23] These purchases, part of a broader acquisition of seven cruise ships that year, marked Seajets' diversification beyond high-speed ferries into larger passenger vessels, though many remained in lay-up due to market conditions.[24] The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Seajets from 2020 to 2022, forcing the suspension of most Aegean routes in compliance with travel restrictions and leading to a sharp decline in operations; services gradually resumed starting July 3, 2020, from key ports like Piraeus and Heraklion to over 30 destinations.[25] This period highlighted the vulnerability of island connectivity, with Seajets adapting through reduced schedules and enhanced health protocols, such as mandatory masking.[26] Seajets rebounded strongly with the post-pandemic tourism surge in Greece from 2023 to 2025, benefiting from record international arrivals that exceeded pre-2019 levels and drove expanded ferry demand across the Cyclades and Crete.[27] In response, the company added new routes to the Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese using vessels like the Superstar II starting July 2025, capitalizing on the sector's 5.5% growth in air arrivals for the year.[4] Key high-speed acquisitions bolstered capacity during this era, including the HSC Natchan Rera in January 2024, a 2007-built Incat catamaran purchased from Taiwanese operators and renamed Eurochampion Jet after arriving in Piraeus for refitting; this 112.6-meter vessel, capable of carrying 1,500 passengers and 380 vehicles, became one of the largest in Seajets' fleet upon entering service.[28][29] In October 2025, Seajets acquired the HSC Skåne Jet from FRS, renaming it Eurochampion Jet 2, further expanding its high-speed fleet.[5] By late 2025, under the continued leadership of owner Marios Iliopoulos, Seajets had grown its fleet to 30 high-speed craft alongside acquired cruise assets, solidifying its position in Aegean transport.[30]Current Operations
Routes and Destinations
Seajets maintains an extensive network of over 400 interconnections across more than 50 ports in the Aegean Sea, focusing primarily on high-speed ferry services that facilitate efficient travel between mainland ports and island destinations. The core operations center on the Cyclades islands, where routes connect Piraeus—the main port of Athens—to popular tourist hubs such as Mykonos, Santorini (Thira), Paros, and Naxos, enabling seamless island-hopping without mandatory layovers in Piraeus. These connections emphasize tourist-oriented itineraries, with high-speed vessels covering distances like Piraeus to Mykonos in approximately 2.5 hours.[6][31][32] In 2025, key itineraries include daily high-speed services such as the Piraeus-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos route, which operates from late April through mid-October, providing multiple departures to accommodate peak summer demand. Extensions beyond the Cyclades reach Crete, with direct links from Heraklion and Rethymno to Cycladic islands like Santorini and Milos; notable offerings include one-day tours from Heraklion to Santorini, allowing round-trip excursions within a single day. Frequencies intensify during the summer season (June to September), reaching up to five daily departures on high-demand Cyclades routes, while winter schedules reduce to weekly sailings on select lines.[31][33][34] Further connectivity spans the Sporades islands from Volos, with itineraries like Volos-Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos, and northern Aegean ports including Thessaloniki and Mantoudi (Evia), supporting routes to destinations such as Chios and Lemnos. In 2025, Seajets introduced a new route from Piraeus via Mykonos to Ikaria, Samos, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, and Kos, enhancing access to the northern Aegean and Dodecanese.[35] Integration with alternative Athens ports like Rafina and Lavrio enhances accessibility, offering routes such as Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos for northern Cyclades access. Passengers can book tickets through the official Seajets website or mobile app, with options for inter-island transfers that promote flexible, direct travel across the network.[31][6][6]Services and Passenger Experience
Seajets offers three primary ticket classes on its high-speed vessels: Silver (economy class) for standard seating, Club class for enhanced comfort with priority boarding and access to dedicated lounges, and Platinum class for premium VIP seating on the upper deck. [21] [36] Pricing for one-way tickets typically ranges from €20 to €100, varying by route length, season, and class selection, with examples including €70–€130 for longer Cyclades itineraries like Santorini to Crete. [21] [37] Discounts are available for children, students, pensioners, large families, and disabled passengers, often requiring verification through agencies or the call center. [21] Onboard amenities emphasize comfort during high-speed travel, including air-conditioned lounges, cafe bars serving snacks and beverages, and limited Wi-Fi access available for €3 per three-hour session at vessel bars. [3] [21] Select vessels feature stores for souvenirs, children's play areas, and elevators for multi-level access, ensuring a modern environment across the fleet. [3] Seajets maintains pet-friendly policies, allowing up to five pets per passenger with required vaccinations and health passports; small pets (under 10 kg) travel in carriers with owners, while larger ones use kennels or dedicated PET cabins on conventional ships. [38] [21] Accessibility features support passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair-compatible vessels and advance notification for assistance, with elevators and escalators standard on most high-speed ferries. [3] [21] The passenger experience focuses on efficient, high-speed journeys, such as the approximately 2.5-hour trip from Piraeus to Mykonos, facilitated by modern navigation systems.[21] [39] Customer feedback and complaints are handled through email ([email protected]), the website contact form, or onboard submission, allowing for prompt resolution and service improvements. [21] Additional services include group bookings with family discounts and vehicle transport on conventional vessels or select high-speed routes for passenger cars, where drivers manage loading one hour prior to departure. [21] E-ticketing simplifies boarding, and upgrades to higher classes are possible onboard subject to availability. [3]Fleet Composition
Active High-Speed Ferries
Seajets maintains a fleet of approximately 16 active high-speed ferries, primarily catamarans and monohulls, designed for rapid passenger and vehicle transport across the Aegean Sea, with maximum speeds reaching up to 50 knots. These vessels, built predominantly by Australian shipyards such as Incat and Austal, range in gross tonnage from approximately 3,000 to over 10,000 GT and accommodate between 300 and 1,750 passengers, along with varying vehicle capacities where applicable. The fleet emphasizes efficiency through wave-piercing hulls and water-jet propulsion systems, enabling high-frequency services while minimizing fuel consumption relative to their speed capabilities.[3] Key examples include the Worldchampion Jet, a catamaran constructed in 2000 by Austal Ships in Australia with a gross tonnage of 6,402, capable of carrying 1,310 passengers and 222 vehicles at speeds up to 50 knots. Similarly, the Tera Jet 2, built in 2007 by Incat in Australia (gross tonnage 10,841), supports 1,350 passengers and 270 vehicles at 40 knots, featuring advanced stability systems for rough seas. Older vessels like the Champion Jet 1 and Champion Jet 2, both catamarans from the late 1990s by Incat (each around 5,000 GT, 1,000-1,100 passengers, 200 vehicles, 40 knots), have undergone refurbishments to enhance reliability and passenger amenities. A notable recent addition is the Eurochampion Jet, acquired in 2024 (originally built 2007 by Incat, 10,841 GT), which accommodates 1,500 passengers and 380 vehicles at 40 knots and includes upgraded interiors for improved comfort.[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][29][48][29] These high-speed ferries are primarily assigned to high-frequency routes in the Cyclades islands, such as Piraeus to Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros, where they provide multiple daily departures during peak seasons to support tourism and connectivity. Operational roles focus on time-sensitive passenger transport, with many vessels offering vehicle decks for cars and motorcycles to facilitate island hopping. Maintenance follows standard maritime cycles, including annual dry-dockings for hull and engine inspections, ensuring consistent service across the network.[9][6] Post-2024 upgrades across select vessels, including the Eurochampion Jet, incorporate enhanced comfort features such as expanded WiFi coverage, pet-friendly cabins, onboard cafes, and elevators for accessibility, alongside fuel-efficient modifications to water-jet systems that reduce emissions without compromising speed. These improvements align with Seajets' emphasis on modern, passenger-oriented high-speed operations in the Aegean.[29][3]| Vessel Name | Build Year | Builder | Gross Tonnage | Passenger Capacity | Vehicle Capacity | Max Speed (knots) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worldchampion Jet | 2000 | Austal (Australia) | 6,402 | 1,310 | 222 | 50 |
| Tera Jet 2 | 2007 | Incat (Australia) | 10,841 | 1,350 | 270 | 40 |
| Champion Jet 1 | 1997 | Incat (Australia) | 5,007 | 1,000 | 200 | 40 |
| Eurochampion Jet | 2007 | Incat (Australia) | 10,841 | 1,500 | 380 | 40 |
Conventional Ferries and Laid-Up Vessels
Seajets maintains a fleet of conventional roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries optimized for transporting passengers and vehicles on extended routes, particularly to Crete and northern Aegean ports, contrasting with the speed-oriented high-speed catamarans used for shorter island hops. These vessels typically range from 5,000 to 10,000 gross tons (GT) and achieve speeds of 19 to 21 knots, allowing for reliable service on multi-island itineraries where vehicle capacity is prioritized over velocity.[3][49] A representative example is the Super Star, a Belgian-built Ro-Ro ferry constructed in 1974 and refurbished in 1992, capable of accommodating 1,480 passengers and 240 vehicles across its decks. Originally operated by other European ferry lines before acquisition by Seajets, it exemplifies the company's strategy of converting second-hand vessels to meet Aegean demands, with facilities including basic seating, cafeterias, and vehicle garages suited for car-carrying voyages to destinations like Heraklion.[3][50][51] Another key vessel, the Sporades Star, built in Italy in 1975, offers capacity for approximately 1,100 passengers and 180 vehicles at a service speed of 19 knots. This former train ferry, repurposed from cross-Channel operations, supports routes to the Sporades and Cyclades, emphasizing multi-purpose functionality with options for rail wagon equivalents in vehicle space during peak seasons.[3][52][53] The Aqua Blue, a Japanese-built conventional ferry from 1975, provides 1,300 passenger berths and space for 300 vehicles at 20 knots, often deployed on northern port connections including Thessaloniki and Volos. Acquired from prior operators like Agapitos Lines, it underwent modifications for Greek island services, featuring cabins and pet-friendly areas to enhance passenger experience on longer crossings.[54][3] In addition to active conventional ferries, Seajets has approximately 18 high-speed vessels temporarily laid up as of October 2025, including older models in the Champion series, moored in various Greek ports such as Piraeus and Chalkis primarily for maintenance and to align with seasonal demand fluctuations in the Aegean. These catamarans, typically 30-35 knots capable and 3,000-5,000 GT, are stored for preservation.[55][5]Acquired Cruise Ships
Seajets, a Greek ferry operator, expanded into the cruise ship market by acquiring several vessels during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the industry faced severe downturns leading to discounted sales from major lines. These acquisitions, often at significantly reduced prices, included four large cruise ships that remain in Seajets' ownership as of 2025, all currently laid up and non-operational. The purchases were part of a broader strategy by owner Marios Iliopoulos to diversify beyond high-speed ferries, though high maintenance costs and minimal crew requirements for lay-up have kept them inactive, with only essential skeleton crews for preservation.[56][57][55] The four vessels, ranging from 55,000 to over 100,000 gross tons (GT), were bought between 2020 and 2023 from operators like Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Costa Cruises. They feature premium amenities typical of mid-sized cruise ships, including hundreds of passenger cabins (many with balconies), multiple swimming pools, multi-deck theaters for shows, casinos, spas, and dining venues accommodating thousands. Despite these facilities, none have entered revenue service under Seajets, with occasional charter discussions failing to materialize by late 2025 due to ongoing economic challenges in the sector. Lay-up sites include Astakos, Aigio, and Elefsis Bay near Piraeus, where the ships undergo periodic maintenance to prevent deterioration.[56][55][24]| Vessel Name | Previous Name | Built | Gross Tonnage | Passenger Capacity | Acquisition Year | Current Lay-Up Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegean Majesty | MS Veendam | 1996 | 55,819 GT | 1,350 | 2020 | Aigio |
| Queen of the Oceans | Oceana | 2000 | 77,499 GT | 2,000 | 2020 | Astakos |
| Majesty | Majesty of the Seas | 1992 | 73,941 GT | 2,354 | 2021 | Elefsis Bay |
| Goddess of the Night | Costa Magica | 2004 | 102,769 GT | 2,720 | 2023 | Astakos |