The Express Aphrodite

Flying the Panamanian flag and renamed Masarrah the former St Columba prepares to leave Perama for a new career on the Red Sea 30 years after her first arrival in Holyhead. Note her old 'Verandah' windows have been uncovered. This was of course the location of the discotheque and later the Duty Free shops. © Nikos Thrylos

After a successful career in Greek waters spanning ten years, former Holyhead stalwart St Columba was sold by Hellenic Seaways to Namma Shipping Lines on 2 February 2007. The ship left Greece for the last time on 24 April 2007.

Through direct cross-marketing with sister-company Mawaddah International for Hotel and Umrah Services, Namma Shipping Lines provides passenger ship service between the Red Sea fronts of both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The ship will operate short distances such as Dhiba- Safaga and Jeddah –Portsudan. Dhiba-Safaga is the shortest crossing between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 

Laid up at the end of 2006 a new career may beckon for the former St Columba in her 30th year. © Nikos Thrylos

Having operated in Greek waters since 1997, the Express Aphrodite was withdrawn at the end of the 2005 season and laid up at Drapetsona. There was a plan to install a large number of cabins for a longer crossing, but this was abandoned as the cost was too high and it was thought that she would not see service in 2006. Greek shipowner Mr Kostas Agapitos was said to be keen to purchase her for service in Greek waters, although that was thought unlikely being a competitor of the current owners, Hellenic Seaways.

A crankshaft failure in the Express Santorini (ex-Chartres) in July 2006 caused much disruption to services between Piraeus - Paros - Naxos - Ios and Santorini, but there was one bright side. When it became apparent that the Express Santorini would miss the busiest time of the year Hellas Ferries reactivated the Express Aphrodite. Having been idle since the end of the 2005 season, the 'Aphrodite' was first drydocked at Perama's floating dock before taking up the schedules to the Greek Islands.

Left: The Express Aphrodite in drydock on 20th July. Above: Two days later she is seen berthed at Piraeus about to re-enter service. © Nikos Thrylos

The Express Aphrodite is seen here laid up on 1 June 2006. © Nikos Thrylos

Above: Six superb photos from Tasos Papanastasiou (©) showing the former St Columba at work in the Cyclades.

Below, some excellent photos of the former St Columba in Greek waters, taken by Lucas Latreche during the 2005 season, courtesy of Apostolis Kak.