The passenger ferry Daleela lifts anchor at noon, from the port of Limassol, for the first route of the sea passenger connection with Piraeus, for the new season, a fact that was welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hatzimanoli, and the Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nicolaidis.
The contracting company Scandro Holdings welcomed on board the ship on Tuesday evening, executives of the shipping industry, partners and the local authorities, shortly before the Daleela set off on its maiden voyage, on which it will carry 156 passengers.
In her short greeting, during the reception, Deputy Minister Marina Hatzimanoli said that from the first day she assumed her duties, she placed the sea passenger connection high on her priorities "because most of the people were asking when the routes will start again" .
She expressed her confidence in the success of the second season of the sea passenger connection, which has already reached around 7 thousand reservations and is expected to surpass last year's.
"We could not be here without the cooperation of everyone, the Ports Authority, DP World Limassol, the management company Scandro Holdings and the Municipality of Limassol", continued Mrs. Hatzimanoli and wished that the M/V Daleela has a safe journey, the 22 this year's routes are safe and passengers can enjoy the experience.
For his part, Mayor Nikos Nikolaidis wished that last year's success would be even greater this year, recalling the experience he had as one of the first passengers on the ship's maiden voyage, for the sea passenger connection, a year ago.
Thanking the Deputy Minister as well as the former Deputy Minister Vassilis Dimitriadis for his contribution to the launch of the service, Mr. Nicolaidis expressed his certainty that "with the support of the city, the Deputy Ministry mainly, but also all those who love the sea, it will continue to be offered this very important service."
Of its 22 routes, with the last one departing from Piraeus on September 1st, 14 will start from the port of Limassol and the remaining eight from the port of Larnaca, which is joining the service for the first time.
It is indicated that last year 7.412 passengers traveled and a total of 2.250 vehicles were transported, of which 1.920 cars and 330 motorcycles, as well as 300 bicycles.
Source: KYPE