The Final Voyage of a Greek Ferry Icon: Agoudimos Lines’ Penelope A Auctioned for Ship Recycling
The once-proud Agoudimos Lines, a stalwart of Greece’s ferry industry for decades, has reached the end of its maritime journey. In late 2024, the company’s last remaining vessel, the 5,100-gt Penelope A, built in 1972, was auctioned for scrap, marking the final chapter of a storied yet troubled history.
The Penelope A, a ship that once transported countless passengers across the Aegean, is now preparing for its final voyage—not to another idyllic Greek island, but to a ship recycling yard in Turkey. This move has been long-awaited by the Elefsis Port Authority, which has shouldered the burden of hosting the vessel since 2013.
A Glorious Past, a Tumultuous Decline
Agoudimos Lines was once synonymous with Greek coastal shipping. The company operated a fleet of ferries serving domestic and international routes, connecting Greece to neighbouring countries such as Italy. However, the global economic downturn of the late 2000s and the rise of newer and more efficient competitors took a heavy toll on Agoudimos Lines. Mounting debts, ageing ships, and operational challenges eventually forced the company to cease operations, leaving behind a fleet of abandoned vessels.
The Penelope A, named after the faithful wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology, was one of the last remnants of the company’s fleet. Once a symbol of reliability and Greek maritime tradition, the vessel fell into disrepair as it languished in Elefsis Bay.
The Port Authority’s Burden
The Elefsis Port Authority has been saddled with the Penelope A for over a decade, watching as the ship’s condition worsened. The vessel became an eyesore and a liability, moored alongside a sunken floating dry dock in the bay. Concerns over its deteriorating state grew so dire that the port authority declared the ship a “dangerous and hazardous vessel.”
This declaration paved the way for urgent action. In a bid to rid the bay of the vessel and address safety concerns, the port authority structured the auction tender as a wreck removal contract. This innovative approach ensured that the buyer would not only purchase the ship but also assume responsibility for its swift and safe removal from Greek waters.
The Auction and Its Outcome
After months of deliberation and planning, the contract for Penelope A’s removal was awarded to Valona Shiptrade, a company registered in the Marshall Islands. Valona Shiptrade agreed to purchase the vessel for €361,000 ($371,512) and provided a €36,100 guarantee to ensure the successful completion of the removal process.
The terms of the contract required Valona Shiptrade to deliver the Penelope A to a European Union-approved recycling yard, aligning with strict environmental and safety regulations. This stipulation reflects the growing emphasis on sustainable ship recycling practices within the EU.
The auction not only resolves a long-standing issue for the Elefsis Port Authority but also highlights the broader challenges faced by Greece’s maritime industry in managing decommissioned vessels.
The End of an Era
The Penelope A’s impending departure is bittersweet for many in Greece’s maritime community. While its removal represents progress and safety for Elefsis Bay, it also symbolizes the end of an era. Agoudimos Lines was once a dominant force in Greek shipping, a testament to the nation’s maritime heritage.
Today, the Greek ferry industry is dominated by modern fleets operated by companies such as Attica Group, which recently announced new acquisitions to expand and upgrade its services. These modern players are focused on innovation, sustainability, and meeting the demands of 21st-century travelers.
For the Penelope A, however, the story ends in a scrapyard. The vessel’s final journey to Turkey will mark the conclusion of its more than 50 years of service.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite its ignoble end, the Penelope A will not be forgotten. For those who travelled aboard it, the ship represents a bygone era of Greek coastal shipping, when ferries were not only a means of transport but also a gateway to the beauty and culture of the Greek islands.
As the Penelope A embarks on its final voyage, it carries with it memories of a once-mighty Greek ferry empire. Agoudimos Lines may no longer exist, but its legacy endures in the collective memory of the passengers, crew, and communities it served for decades.
The story of the Penelope A serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs of Greece’s maritime industry—a sector deeply intertwined with the nation’s identity and history.
