Grimaldi Launches New Maritime Service Between Italy and Greece

The Grimaldi Group, world leader in ro/ro transport, announces an important initiative: as from the 11th of April a new maritime service, dedicated to the transport of rolling freight and passengers, will be launched between the ports of Brindisi, Igoumenitsa and Patras.

Furthermore, in support of tourist flows, during the summer period the service will call at the island of Corfou on a weekly basis.

Through this move, the Neapolitan Group, leader in maritime transport between Italy and Greece together with its controlled company Minoan Lines, consolidates its market position by offering its clients a connection to Greece from the South of Italy too.

The new line will have a three-times-a-week frequency: departures from Brindisi will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 07,30 p.m. with arrival at Igoumenitsa on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 04,30 a.m. and at 01,00 p.m. at Patras. From Greece to Italy, departures from Patras will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 05,00 p.m. and from Igoumenitsa on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 01,00 a.m. with arrival at Brindisi on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 08,00 a.m.

The m/vessel deployed on the line will be the “Sorrento”, a modern ferry able to transport more than 800 passengers, 170 cars and over 2,250 linear meters of rolling cargo. With a length of 186 meters, a gross tonnage of 26,000 tonnes and a service speed of 23 knots, the “Sorrento” (built in 2003 and with Italian flag) is equipped with 93 cabins – between internal, external cabins and suites – and 62 comfortable reclining seats. Many are the services offered on board, such as a self service restaurant, a cafeteria, two bars, a videogames and slot machines area, a shop, a solarium with lounge chairs.

“The choice of Brindisi made by the Grimaldi Group represents a “vote of confidence”, a reward for our efforts in providing high quality and price-competitive port services” – states Mr Hercules Haralambides, President of the Brindisi Port Authority. – “Brindisi has always been the reference point for Greece and, as a Greek, I am particularly proud of this new service”, continues Hercules. “However, the world doesn’t stop in Greece. The Grimaldi Group has ambitious plans in the Mediterranean and we, as Port Authority, will do our best to contribute to their achievement. The presence in Brindisi of a blue-chip company like Grimaldi will transform our city and our port. For this reason, I sincerely thank them and give them a hearty welcome”, concludes Haralambides.

“The service to Greece represents a new opportunity to further enhance the network of Motorways of the Sea offered by our Group in the Mediterranean Sea” – states Mr Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group, – “Thanks to the close partnership with the Brindisi Port Authority, the Grimaldi Group will offer its clients a high-quality and economically convenient maritime service while ensuring its longevity”, concludes Emanuele Grimaldi.

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Source: Grimaldi Group, March 23, 2012