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{{Short description|Greek ferry operator}}
{{Short description|Greek ferry operator}}

{{Multiple issues|
{{Copy edit|date=May 2024}}
{{Missing information|operations between 1924 and 1993|date=May 2024}}
}}

{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Attica Holdings S.A.
| name = Attica Holdings S.A.
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| ISIN = GRS144003001
| ISIN = GRS144003001
| founded = {{Start date and age|1918|10|27|df=yes}}<ref name="gemi" /> as Attica Flour Mills S.A.
| founded = {{Start date and age|1918|10|27|df=yes}}<ref name="gemi" /> as Attica Flour Mills S.A.
| founders = [[Pericles Panagopoulos]]<br/>[[Alexander Panagopoulos]]
| founders = {{unbulleted list|[[Pericles Panagopoulos]]|[[Alexander Panagopoulos]]}}
| hq_location_city = [[Kallithea]], [[Athens]]
| hq_location_city = [[Kallithea]], [[Athens]]
| hq_location_country = Greece<ref name="gemi" />
| hq_location_country = Greece<ref name="gemi" />
| origins =
| origins =
| key_people = Kyriakos D. Magiras '''([[Chairman]])'''<br />Panagogiannopoulos Nikolaos '''([[President (corporate title)|President]])'''<br />Spiridon Paschalis '''([[CEO]])'''
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Kyriakos D. Magiras '''([[Chairman]])'''|Panagogiannopoulos Nikolaos '''([[President (corporate title)|President]])'''|Spiridon Paschalis '''([[CEO]])'''}}
| industry = [[Shipping]]<br />[[Transport]]
| industry = {{unbulleted list|[[Shipping]]|[[Transport]]}}
| products =
| products =
| services =
| services =
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| parent =
| parent =
| divisions =
| divisions =
| subsid = {{Unbulleted list|[[Africa Morocco Link]] (49%)|[[ANEK Lines]]|Attica Blue Hospitality<ref name="group-profile">{{cite web |title=Group Profile |url=https://attica-group.com/en/attica-group/group-profile.html |access-date=3 December 2023}}</ref>|[[Blue Star Ferries]]|[[Hellenic Seaways]]|[[Superfast Ferries]]}}
| subsid = {{Unbulleted list||[[ANEK Lines]]|Attica Blue Hospitality<ref name="group-profile">{{cite web |title=Group Profile |url=https://attica-group.com/en/attica-group/group-profile.html |access-date=3 December 2023}}</ref>|[[Blue Star Ferries]]|[[Hellenic Seaways]]|[[Superfast Ferries]]}}
| owner = [[Piraeus Bank|Strix Holdings LP]] (86.704%)<ref name="strix">{{cite web |title=ΓΝΩΣΤΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΗΣ ΣΤΑ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑΤΑ ΨΗΦΟΥ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΑ ΜΕ ΤΟ Ν. 3556/2007 |url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/6421/GNWSTOPOIHSH_SHMANTIKHS_METAVOLHS_STA_DIKAIWMATA_PSHFOY_SYMFWNA_ME_TO_-_N._3556_%202007_(12_12_23).pdf |access-date=12 December 2023 |page=1 |language=el |quote=Η STRIX HOLDINGS L.P. η οποία ελέγχεται εμμέσως από τον MUBASHIR MUKADAM κατέχει άμεσα και έμμεσα μετοχές και δικαιώματα ψήφου στην Εκδότρια που αντιστοιχούν σε ποσοστό 86,704% επί του συνόλου των δικαιωμάτων ψήφου της Εκδότριας.}}</ref>
| owner = [[Piraeus Bank|Strix Holdings LP]] (86.704%)<ref name="strix">{{cite web |title=ΓΝΩΣΤΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΗΣ ΣΤΑ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑΤΑ ΨΗΦΟΥ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΑ ΜΕ ΤΟ Ν. 3556/2007 |url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/6421/GNWSTOPOIHSH_SHMANTIKHS_METAVOLHS_STA_DIKAIWMATA_PSHFOY_SYMFWNA_ME_TO_-_N._3556_%202007_(12_12_23).pdf |access-date=12 December 2023 |page=1 |language=el |quote=Η STRIX HOLDINGS L.P. η οποία ελέγχεται εμμέσως από τον MUBASHIR MUKADAM κατέχει άμεσα και έμμεσα μετοχές και δικαιώματα ψήφου στην Εκδότρια που αντιστοιχούν σε ποσοστό 86,704% επί του συνόλου των δικαιωμάτων ψήφου της Εκδότριας.}}</ref>
| slogan =
| slogan =
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'''Attica Holdings S.A.'''<ref name="gemi">{{cite web |title=Στοιχεία Δημοσιότητας |url=https://www.businessregistry.gr/publicity/show/5780001000 |website=Business Registry |publisher=Union of Hellenic Chambers Of Commerce |access-date=16 February 2023 |language=el}}</ref> is an operator of international ferry services in [[Europe]]. Attica Group's operations include its subsidiaries [[Superfast Ferries]], which began in 1995 with the launch of its first ships, Superfast I & Superfast II, and [[Blue Star Ferries]] which operates ferries in the [[Aegean Sea]] to the [[Greek islands]]. In June 2018 Attica Group increased its share in [[Hellenic Seaways]] to 98.83%. [[Hellenic Seaways]] is 100% controlled by the Attica Group following the acquisition of minority interest
'''Attica Holdings S.A.'''<ref name="gemi">{{cite web |title=Στοιχεία Δημοσιότητας |url=https://www.businessregistry.gr/publicity/show/5780001000 |website=Business Registry |publisher=Union of Hellenic Chambers Of Commerce |access-date=16 February 2023 |language=el}}</ref> is an operator of international ferry services in [[Europe]]. Attica Group's operations include its subsidiaries [[Superfast Ferries]], which began in 1995 with the launch of its first ships, Superfast I & Superfast II, and [[Blue Star Ferries]] which operates ferries in the [[Aegean Sea]] to the [[Greek islands]]. In June 2018 Attica Group increased its share in [[Hellenic Seaways]] to 98.83%. [[Hellenic Seaways]] is 100% controlled by the Attica Group following the acquisition of minority interest
of 1.17% in July 2019. It also has a partnership in [[Africa Morocco Link]] which operates mainly in the [[Strait of Gibraltar]]. In December 2023 it absorbed 100% of [[ANEK Lines]], rendering the operator number two in the number of passengers commuted in Europe.<ref name="ANEKmerger">{{cite web |title=ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΓΧΩΝΕΥΣΗΣ ΜΕ ΑΠΟΡΡΟΦΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ "ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΝΑΥΤΙΛΙΑΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ Α.Ε." ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ "ATTICA A.E. ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΩΝ" |url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/6418/OLOKLHROSH_THS_SYGXONEYSHS_ME_APOROFHSH_THS_ANEK_APO_THN_ATTICA.pdf |access-date=4 December 2023 |language=el}}</ref><ref name="Newsroom">{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-08-05 |title=Takeover of troubled ANEK by Attica Group is approved {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1217138/takeover-of-troubled-anek-by-attica-group-is-approved/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref>
of 1.17% in July 2019. In December 2023 it absorbed 100% of [[ANEK Lines]], rendering the operator number two in the number of passengers commuted in Europe.<ref name="ANEKmerger">{{cite web |title=ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΓΧΩΝΕΥΣΗΣ ΜΕ ΑΠΟΡΡΟΦΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ "ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΝΑΥΤΙΛΙΑΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ Α.Ε." ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ "ATTICA A.E. ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΩΝ" |url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/6418/OLOKLHROSH_THS_SYGXONEYSHS_ME_APOROFHSH_THS_ANEK_APO_THN_ATTICA.pdf |access-date=4 December 2023 |language=el}}</ref><ref name="Newsroom">{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-08-05 |title=Takeover of troubled ANEK by Attica Group is approved {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1217138/takeover-of-troubled-anek-by-attica-group-is-approved/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref>


==Company history==
==Company history==
{{Prose|section|date=May 2024}}
⚫
'''1918'''


The company was established in Piraeus, Greece, under the name "General Company of Commerce and Industry of Greece". In the beginning, it specialised in producing and trading [[flour]] under the name of "Attica Flour Mills SA".
The company was established in 1918 in Piraeus, Greece under the name "General Company of Commerce and Industry of Greece". In the beginning, it specialised in producing and trading [[flour]] under the name of "Attica Flour Mills SA". In 1922 the company changed hands and was renamed Attica Enterprises S.A., later revised to Attica Enterprises Holding S.A. before being shortened to Attica Group.

'''1922'''

The company changed hands and was renamed to Attica Enterprises S.A., subsequently changed to Attica Enterprises Holding S.A. and has since changed to Attica Group.


'''1924'''
'''1924'''

Two years later in 1924, it was listed on the [[Athens Exchange|Athens Stock Exchange]].
Two years later in 1924, it was listed on the [[Athens Exchange|Athens Stock Exchange]].


'''1993'''
'''1993'''

This year a new management team, chaired by Pericles S. Panagopulos, created the shipping subsidiary Attica Maritime S.A., later renamed to Superfast Ferries Maritime S.A.. The first two Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, ordered at Schichau Seebeckwerft AG in Bremen, Germany.
This year a new management team, chaired by Pericles S. Panagopulos, created the shipping subsidiary Attica Maritime S.A., later renamed to Superfast Ferries Maritime S.A.. The first two Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, ordered at Schichau Seebeckwerft AG in Bremen, Germany.


'''1995'''
'''1995'''

In April and June the two ordered car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, delivered and employed in the Patras-Ancona-Patras service. The two ferries revolutionize travel by cutting the crossing time between Patras and Ancona by up to 40%.
In April and June the two ordered car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, delivered and employed in the Patras-Ancona-Patras service. The two ferries revolutionize travel by cutting the crossing time between Patras and Ancona by up to 40%.


'''1996'''
'''1996'''

July: Two new Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast III and Superfast IV, ordered at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland.
July: Two new Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast III and Superfast IV, ordered at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland.


'''1998'''
'''1998'''

April: Superfast III and Superfast IV delivered and were deployed on the Patras-Ancona-Patras route, while Superfast I and Superfast II launched a new route linking Patras and Igoumenitsa, with Bari in southern Italy.
April: Superfast III and Superfast IV delivered and were deployed on the Patras-Ancona-Patras route, while Superfast I and Superfast II launched a new route linking Patras and Igoumenitsa, with Bari in southern Italy.


'''2006'''
'''2006'''

February: Attica sells its 12.33% stake in Hellenic Seaways acquired a year earlier.
February: Attica sells its 12.33% stake in Hellenic Seaways acquired a year earlier.


Blue Star Ferries receives the ‘Superbrand’ award recognized as a leading brand in Greece in the ‘Tourism Services’ industry.
Blue Star Ferries receives the 'Superbrand' award recognized as a leading brand in Greece in the ‘Tourism Services’ industry.


March: Blue Star Ferries’ passenger-only catamaran SeaJet 2 is sold. The sale of the vessel is part of the Company's policy to focus on the operation of fast, modern conventional car-passenger vessels.
March: Blue Star Ferries' passenger-only catamaran SeaJet 2 is sold. The sale of the vessel is part of the Company's policy to focus on the operation of fast, modern conventional car-passenger vessels.


April: Superfast VII, Superfast VIII and Superfast IX, serving on the [[Rostock]], Germany – [[Hanko, Finland|Hanko]], Finland route in the [[Baltic Sea]] are sold to AS Tallink Grupp. The sold vessels will retain their names and continue sailing under the Superfast livery until the end of 2007 at the latest, following an agreement with AS Tallink Grupp.
April: Superfast VII, Superfast VIII and Superfast IX, serving on the [[Rostock]], Germany – [[Hanko, Finland|Hanko]], Finland route in the [[Baltic Sea]] are sold to AS Tallink Grupp. The sold vessels will retain their names and continue sailing under the Superfast livery until the end of 2007 at the latest, following an agreement with AS Tallink Grupp.
Line 85: Line 81:


December: Attica Group announces the deployment of Blue Star 1 of its subsidiary Blue Star Ferries to the Scotland-Belgium service as of the end of January 2007. Blue Star 1 is to replace Superfast X which was sold earlier in the year, and is to be delivered to her new owners in February 2007.
December: Attica Group announces the deployment of Blue Star 1 of its subsidiary Blue Star Ferries to the Scotland-Belgium service as of the end of January 2007. Blue Star 1 is to replace Superfast X which was sold earlier in the year, and is to be delivered to her new owners in February 2007.
'''2007'''


⚫
'''2007'''
February: Attica Group increases its stake in Minoan Lines to 22.25%
February: Attica Group increases its stake in Minoan Lines to 22.25%


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Attica Group, pursuant to the Law 3556/2007, the Decision 1/434/03.07.2007 and the Circular nr. 33 of the [[Hellenic Capital Market Commission]], announced that [[Marfin Investment Group]] Holdings S.A., which is closely associated to the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Andreas Vgenopoulos, bought shares of the Company as follows:
Attica Group, pursuant to the Law 3556/2007, the Decision 1/434/03.07.2007 and the Circular nr. 33 of the [[Hellenic Capital Market Commission]], announced that [[Marfin Investment Group]] Holdings S.A., which is closely associated to the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Andreas Vgenopoulos, bought shares of the Company as follows:


a) on 20.2.2008 bought 19,295 shares with total net value of Euro 106,292.29
a) on 20.2.2008 bought 19,295 shares with total net value of €106,292.29
b) on 21.2.2008 bought 10,518 shares with total net value of Euro 57,938.79
b) on 21.2.2008 bought 10,518 shares with total net value of €57,938.79


'''2008'''
'''2008'''

September: [[Zeebrugge]]-[[Rosyth]] route discontinued on 13 September. The service will be restarted in Spring 2009 by [[Norfolkline]].
September: [[Zeebrugge]]-[[Rosyth]] route discontinued on 13 September. The service will be restarted in Spring 2009 by [[Norfolkline]].


On 12 March 2009, the ''Superfast XII'' began service on newly-established the [[Piraeus]]–[[Heraklion]] route. In December, [[Brittany Ferries]] acquired ''[[Superfast V]]'' from the Attica Group for €81.50 million. Following its delivery in February 2010, the ship was renamed MV ''Cap Finistère''.
'''2009'''


⚫
In June 2016, Attica Group and [[BMCE Bank]] established [[Africa Morocco Link]] (AML), a [[joint venture]] that would operate scheduled ferry services from Morocco to Europe. Attica Group held a 49% minority stake in the new company, with the remainder held by a consortium of Moroccan investors led by BMCE Bank.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluestarferries.com/en/about-us/the-company/news-announcements/1798-agreement-to-start-scheduled-ferry-services-between-morocco-and-continental-europe-through-new-moroccan-company-%E2%80%9Cafrica-morocco-links%E2%80%9D.html|title=.: Blue Star Ferries - news & announcements :.|publisher=|accessdate=7 October 2017}}</ref>
March: On the 12th Superfast XII inaugurates the [[Piraeus]] - [[Heraklion]] route.


⚫
In May 2018, Attica Group secured a 50.3% controlling interest in [[Hellenic Seaways]], increasing its stake in the company to 98.83% by June. The overall transaction amounted to €142.9 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/2499/ATTICA_12MONTH_2018_ANNUAL_FINANCIAL_REPORT.pdf|title=2018 Annual Financial Report|website=attica-group.com|access-date=13 September 2023}}</ref>
December:[[Brittany Ferries]] entered into a contract to buy the [[Superfast V]] from the Attica Group at sum of €81.50 million, with delivery in February 2010. It now serves as the [[MV Cap Finistère]].


In September 2022, Attica Group acquired [[ANEK Lines]], expanding the company's network of routes while maintaining AMEX Lines as its fourth cruise line subsidiary.<ref name="Newsroom"/>
'''2016'''


In April 2024, Attica Group sold its 49% share in [[Africa Morocco Link]] to [[Stena Line]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://attica-group.com/attachments/article/6456/SYMFONIA_GIA_THN_POLHSH_ETAIRIKHS_SYMMETOXHS_STO_MAROCO.pdf|title=ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΙΚΗΣ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΜΑΡΟΚΟ|publisher=|accessdate=8 April 2024}}</ref>
⚫
June: [[Africa Morocco Link]] was created in 2016 following an agreement between [[BMCE Bank]] and Attica Group to operate scheduled ferry services from Morocco to Europe, through the newly established Moroccan company Africa Morocco Links ("AML"). Attica Group will hold a 49% participation in the new company, while 51% will be held by a group of Moroccan shareholders, led by BMCE Bank Of Africa Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluestarferries.com/en/about-us/the-company/news-announcements/1798-agreement-to-start-scheduled-ferry-services-between-morocco-and-continental-europe-through-new-moroccan-company-%E2%80%9Cafrica-morocco-links%E2%80%9D.html|title=.: Blue Star Ferries - news & announcements :.|publisher=|accessdate=7 October 2017}}</ref>


==Fleet==
'''2018'''
⚫
The Attica Group fleet comprises 40 ships operated by four subsidiaries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.attica-group.com/en/attica-group/group-profile.html|title=GROUP PROFILE|date=5 February 2024|website=attica-group|access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref>

May: Attica Group acquired the control of "[[Hellenic Seaways]]", by completing the acquisition of the majority of shares (50.3%).
⚫
June: Attica Group completed the acquisition of an additional 48.53% of the share capital, holding a total of 98,83%. The value of the transaction amounted to 142,9 million €.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.attica-group.com/attachments/article/2499/ATTICA_12MONTH_2018_ANNUAL_FINANCIAL_REPORT.pdf|title=2018 Annual Financial Report|website=attica-group.com|access-date=13 September 2023}}</ref>

'''2022'''

Sept: Attica Group reached an agreement to acquire 100% of "[[ANEK Lines]]".<ref name="Newsroom"/>

==Current operations==
⚫
The Attica group comprises the following five ferry companies operating a combined fleet of 43 ships.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.attica-group.com/en/attica-group/group-profile.html|title=GROUP PROFILE|date=5 February 2024|website=attica-group|access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref>

===[[Africa Morocco Link]]===
{{Div col|rules=yes|colwidth=22em}}
*''[[MS Kronprins Frederik|Morocco Star]]''
*''[[MV Morocco Sun|Morocco Sun]]''
{{div col end}}


===[[ANEK Lines]]===
===[[ANEK Lines]]===
Line 140: Line 119:
*''[[Hellenic Spirit]]''
*''[[Hellenic Spirit]]''
*''[[Kissamos (ship)|Kissamos]]''
*''[[Kissamos (ship)|Kissamos]]''
*''[[Kriti I]]'' (Laid Up)
*''[[Kriti I]]'' (Laid up)
*''[[Kriti II]]''
*''[[Kriti II]]'' (Laid up)
*''[[MF Prevelis|Prevelis]]''
*''[[MF Prevelis|Prevelis]]''
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
Line 155: Line 134:
*''[[Blue Star Paros]]''
*''[[Blue Star Paros]]''
*''[[Blue Star Patmos]]''
*''[[Blue Star Patmos]]''
⚫
*''[[Diagoras (ship)|Diagoras]]''
*''[[Blue Carrier 1]]''
*''[[Blue Carrier 1]]''
*''[[Blue Carrier 2]]''
*''[[Blue Carrier 2]]''
⚫
*''[[Diagoras (ship)|Diagoras]]''
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Line 166: Line 145:
*''[[Nissos Samos]]''
*''[[Nissos Samos]]''
*''[[HSC Hellenic Highspeed|Hellenic Highspeed]]''
*''[[HSC Hellenic Highspeed|Hellenic Highspeed]]''
*''[[HSC Highspeed 3|Highspeed 3]]''
*''[[HSC Highspeed 4|Highspeed 4]]''
*''[[HSC Highspeed 4|Highspeed 4]]''
*''[[AERO 1 Highspeed]]''
*''[[AERO 1 Highspeed]]''
Line 187: Line 167:
*''[[Ariadne (1996 ship)|Ariadne]]''
*''[[Ariadne (1996 ship)|Ariadne]]''
*''[[Lefka Ori (ship)|Lefka Ori]]''
*''[[Lefka Ori (ship)|Lefka Ori]]''
*''[[AF Claudia]]'' (charter from Adria Ferries)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
On January 18, 2023, Lighthouse Reports, in collaboration with [[SRF 1|SRF]], [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]], [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]], Il Domani and Solomon published a report claiming illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers from Italy to Greece using [[Superfast Ferries|Superfast]] ferries. If those asylum seekers arrived to the ports of Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, they were denied the opportunity to seek asylum and were pushed back using ferries operated by Attica Group, specifically [[Superfast Ferries]]. Immigrants were put into shower rooms and metal boxes with caged roofs, sometimes being handcuffed to metal shelves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detained below deck |url=https://www.lighthousereports.nl/investigation/detained-below-deck/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Lighthouse Reports |language=en}}</ref>
On 18 January 2023 Lighthouse Reports, in collaboration with [[SRF 1|SRF]], [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]], [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]], Il Domani and Solomon published a report claiming illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers from Italy to Greece using [[Superfast Ferries|Superfast]] ferries. If those asylum seekers arrived at the ports of Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, they were denied the opportunity to seek asylum and were pushed back using ferries operated by Attica Group, specifically [[Superfast Ferries]]. Immigrants were put into shower rooms and metal boxes with caged roofs, sometimes being handcuffed to metal shelves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detained below deck |url=https://www.lighthousereports.nl/investigation/detained-below-deck/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Lighthouse Reports |language=en}}</ref>


On September 6, 2023, a 36-year-old passenger on board the Blue Horizon, operated by [[Blue Star Ferries]], met a tragic end when crew members pushed him from the ship's hatch. The passenger was en route to his birthplace, Crete Island, but had experienced a delay in boarding the ferry. Despite his intentions to board, ferry workers denied him access and pushed him off the loading ramp, causing him to fall into the sea, where he tragically drowned. The entire incident was captured on video by other Blue Horizon ferry passengers.
On 6 September 2023 a 36-year-old passenger on board the Blue Horizon, operated by [[Blue Star Ferries]], met a tragic end when crew members pushed him from the ship's hatch. The passenger was en route to his birthplace, Crete Island, but had experienced a delay in boarding the ferry. Despite his intentions to board, ferry workers denied him access and pushed him off the loading ramp, causing him to fall into the sea, where he drowned. The entire incident was captured on video by other Blue Horizon ferry passengers.


In response to the video evidence shared on social media, authorities took action. Four crew members of the Blue Horizon ferry, including the deck officer and the master, were promptly arrested. A Greek prosecutor filed criminal charges just one day after the tragic event, targeting the ferry captain and three of his crew members in connection with the 36-year-old man's death. One crew member faced charges of possible intentional homicide, while the other two were charged with complicity. The captain was charged with serious breaches of shipping regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charges brought against Greek ferry crew over death of passenger pushed into sea |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/06/greek-captain-three-crew-members-face-homicide-charges-passenger-death}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-09-06 |title=Man dies after being forcefully pushed off ferry in Piraeus {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1219320/man-dies-after-been-forcefully-pushed-off-ferry-in-piraeus/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Greek ferry captain, 3 seamen charged over death |url=https://apnews.com/article/greece-ferry-passenger-death-arrests-travel-crete-a1c8bb9b0ab89751fa1e662aee0dcbe2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ο 36χρονος που έσπρωξαν στο Blue Horizon είχε εισιτήριο |url=https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1409384/kriti-o-36hronos-pou-skotothike-sto-blue-horizon-zouse-se-ergatikes-katoikies-sto-lasithi-melos-10melous-oikogeneias/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Horizon crew detained for the death of a 36-year-old Cretan man in the port of Piraeus |url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/09/06/blue-horizon-crew-man-port/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Horizon: Τι θα ισχυριστούν οι κατηγορούμενοι για τη δολοφονία του Αντώνη |url=https://www.tanea.gr/2023/09/07/greece/blue-horizon-ti-tha-isxyristoun-oi-katigoroumenoi-gia-ti-dolofonia-tou-antoni/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Captain, Crew Face Manslaughter Charges as Man Drowns Trying to Board Ferry |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/index.php/article/captain-crew-face-manslaughter-charges-as-man-drowns-trying-to-board-ferry}}</ref>
In response to the video evidence shared on social media, authorities took action. Four crew members of the Blue Horizon ferry, including the deck officer and the master, were promptly arrested. A Greek prosecutor filed criminal charges just one day after the tragic event, targeting the ferry captain and three of his crew members in connection with the 36-year-old man's death. One crew member faced charges of possible intentional homicide, while the other two were charged with complicity. The captain was charged with serious breaches of shipping regulations.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Charges brought against Greek ferry crew over death of passenger pushed into sea |newspaper=The Guardian |date=13 September 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/06/greek-captain-three-crew-members-face-homicide-charges-passenger-death}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-09-06 |title=Man dies after being forcefully pushed off ferry in Piraeus {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1219320/man-dies-after-been-forcefully-pushed-off-ferry-in-piraeus/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Greek ferry captain, 3 seamen charged over death |website=[[Associated Press News]] |date=6 September 2023 |url=https://apnews.com/article/greece-ferry-passenger-death-arrests-travel-crete-a1c8bb9b0ab89751fa1e662aee0dcbe2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ο 36χρονος που έσπρωξαν στο Blue Horizon είχε εισιτήριο |date=6 September 2023 |url=https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1409384/kriti-o-36hronos-pou-skotothike-sto-blue-horizon-zouse-se-ergatikes-katoikies-sto-lasithi-melos-10melous-oikogeneias/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Horizon crew detained for the death of a 36-year-old Cretan man in the port of Piraeus |url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/09/06/blue-horizon-crew-man-port/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Horizon: Τι θα ισχυριστούν οι κατηγορούμενοι για τη δολοφονία του Αντώνη |date=7 September 2023 |url=https://www.tanea.gr/2023/09/07/greece/blue-horizon-ti-tha-isxyristoun-oi-katigoroumenoi-gia-ti-dolofonia-tou-antoni/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Captain, Crew Face Manslaughter Charges as Man Drowns Trying to Board Ferry |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/index.php/article/captain-crew-face-manslaughter-charges-as-man-drowns-trying-to-board-ferry}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of Greek Companies]]
*[[List of Greek companies]]


==References==
==References==
Line 206: Line 187:
* [http://www.superfast.com Superfast Ferries]
* [http://www.superfast.com Superfast Ferries]
* {{cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/|title=Fakta om Fartyg}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/|title=Fakta om Fartyg}}
* [http://www.ferry-site.dk/ The ferry site]


[[Category:Transport companies established in 1918]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1918]]

Latest revision as of 10:20, 7 December 2024

Attica Holdings S.A.
Attica Group[1]
Native name
Attica Ανώνυμος Εταιρία Συμμετοχών[1]
Company typePublic
Athex: ATTICA
ISINGRS144003001
Industry
Founded27 October 1918; 106 years ago (1918-10-27)[1] as Attica Flour Mills S.A.
Founders
Headquarters
Kallithea, Athens
,
Greece[1]
Key people
Revenue€290.40 million (2020)[2]
€40.46 million (2020)[2]
€(53.63) million (2020)[2]
Total assets€905.48 million (2020)[2]
Total equity€378.35 million (2020)[2]
OwnerStrix Holdings LP (86.704%)[3]
Number of employees
1,412 (2020)[2]
Subsidiaries
Websiteattica-group.com

Attica Holdings S.A.[1] is an operator of international ferry services in Europe. Attica Group's operations include its subsidiaries Superfast Ferries, which began in 1995 with the launch of its first ships, Superfast I & Superfast II, and Blue Star Ferries which operates ferries in the Aegean Sea to the Greek islands. In June 2018 Attica Group increased its share in Hellenic Seaways to 98.83%. Hellenic Seaways is 100% controlled by the Attica Group following the acquisition of minority interest of 1.17% in July 2019. In December 2023 it absorbed 100% of ANEK Lines, rendering the operator number two in the number of passengers commuted in Europe.[5][6]

Company history

[edit]

The company was established in 1918 in Piraeus, Greece under the name "General Company of Commerce and Industry of Greece". In the beginning, it specialised in producing and trading flour under the name of "Attica Flour Mills SA". In 1922 the company changed hands and was renamed Attica Enterprises S.A., later revised to Attica Enterprises Holding S.A. before being shortened to Attica Group.

1924 Two years later in 1924, it was listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

1993 This year a new management team, chaired by Pericles S. Panagopulos, created the shipping subsidiary Attica Maritime S.A., later renamed to Superfast Ferries Maritime S.A.. The first two Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, ordered at Schichau Seebeckwerft AG in Bremen, Germany.

1995 In April and June the two ordered car-passenger ferries, Superfast I and Superfast II, delivered and employed in the Patras-Ancona-Patras service. The two ferries revolutionize travel by cutting the crossing time between Patras and Ancona by up to 40%.

1996 July: Two new Superfast car-passenger ferries, Superfast III and Superfast IV, ordered at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland.

1998 April: Superfast III and Superfast IV delivered and were deployed on the Patras-Ancona-Patras route, while Superfast I and Superfast II launched a new route linking Patras and Igoumenitsa, with Bari in southern Italy.

2006 February: Attica sells its 12.33% stake in Hellenic Seaways acquired a year earlier.

Blue Star Ferries receives the 'Superbrand' award recognized as a leading brand in Greece in the ‘Tourism Services’ industry.

March: Blue Star Ferries' passenger-only catamaran SeaJet 2 is sold. The sale of the vessel is part of the Company's policy to focus on the operation of fast, modern conventional car-passenger vessels.

April: Superfast VII, Superfast VIII and Superfast IX, serving on the Rostock, Germany – Hanko, Finland route in the Baltic Sea are sold to AS Tallink Grupp. The sold vessels will retain their names and continue sailing under the Superfast livery until the end of 2007 at the latest, following an agreement with AS Tallink Grupp.

Attica Group maintains its presence in the Baltic Sea with the operation of its two RoRo vessels, which trade between Rostock, Germany and Uusikaupunki, Finland.

July: Attica's subsidiary, Blue Star Maritime S.A. acquires the total assets of DANE Sea Line for a total of Euro 19.9mln. The assets included car-passenger ferry Diagoras which is deployed to the Dodecanese Islands’ routes in August.

August: Attica enters into an agreement to sell to Veolia Transport its ice-class vessel Superfast X trading between Scotland and Belgium for a total cash consideration of Euro 112mln. The delivery of Superfast X and final payment is to take place at the beginning of 2007.

November: Attica enters into an agreement with Fret Cetam of France for the chartering of RoRo Nordia until October 2008. RoRo Nordia was deployed on the Uusikaupunki, Finland – Rostock, Germany route together with RoRo Marin. As of the beginning of 2007, RoRo Marin is to be redeployed from the Baltic Sea to serve the needs of the Group in the Greece-Italy routes in the Adriatic Sea and in the domestic market.

Blue Star Ferries is voted "Passenger Line of the Year" at Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Awards.

December: Attica Group announces the deployment of Blue Star 1 of its subsidiary Blue Star Ferries to the Scotland-Belgium service as of the end of January 2007. Blue Star 1 is to replace Superfast X which was sold earlier in the year, and is to be delivered to her new owners in February 2007.

2007 February: Attica Group increases its stake in Minoan Lines to 22.25%

June: Attica sells its total participation in Minoan Lines S.A.

August: Attica proceeded in the assignment of new offices and new responsibilities to its Board Members. On behalf of its subsidiaries Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries, Attica Group donated the amount of Euro 150,000 to the Special Relief Fund for the benefit of the victims of the recent fires in Greece.

September: Attica Group announces the purchase of two RoPax ships, built in 1998 and 1999.

Attica Group, pursuant to the Law 3556/2007, the Decision 1/434/03.07.2007 and the Circular nr. 33 of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, announced that Marfin Investment Group Holdings S.A., which is closely associated to the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Andreas Vgenopoulos, bought shares of the Company as follows:

a) on 20.2.2008 bought 19,295 shares with total net value of €106,292.29 b) on 21.2.2008 bought 10,518 shares with total net value of €57,938.79

2008 September: Zeebrugge-Rosyth route discontinued on 13 September. The service will be restarted in Spring 2009 by Norfolkline.

On 12 March 2009, the Superfast XII began service on newly-established the Piraeus–Heraklion route. In December, Brittany Ferries acquired Superfast V from the Attica Group for €81.50 million. Following its delivery in February 2010, the ship was renamed MV Cap Finistère.

In June 2016, Attica Group and BMCE Bank established Africa Morocco Link (AML), a joint venture that would operate scheduled ferry services from Morocco to Europe. Attica Group held a 49% minority stake in the new company, with the remainder held by a consortium of Moroccan investors led by BMCE Bank.[7]

In May 2018, Attica Group secured a 50.3% controlling interest in Hellenic Seaways, increasing its stake in the company to 98.83% by June. The overall transaction amounted to €142.9 million.[8]

In September 2022, Attica Group acquired ANEK Lines, expanding the company's network of routes while maintaining AMEX Lines as its fourth cruise line subsidiary.[6]

In April 2024, Attica Group sold its 49% share in Africa Morocco Link to Stena Line.[9]

Fleet

[edit]

The Attica Group fleet comprises 40 ships operated by four subsidiaries.[10]

ANEK Lines

[edit]

Blue Star Ferries

[edit]

Hellenic Seaways

[edit]

Superfast Ferries

[edit]

Controversies

[edit]

On 18 January 2023 Lighthouse Reports, in collaboration with SRF, ARD, Al Jazeera, Il Domani and Solomon published a report claiming illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers from Italy to Greece using Superfast ferries. If those asylum seekers arrived at the ports of Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, they were denied the opportunity to seek asylum and were pushed back using ferries operated by Attica Group, specifically Superfast Ferries. Immigrants were put into shower rooms and metal boxes with caged roofs, sometimes being handcuffed to metal shelves.[11]

On 6 September 2023 a 36-year-old passenger on board the Blue Horizon, operated by Blue Star Ferries, met a tragic end when crew members pushed him from the ship's hatch. The passenger was en route to his birthplace, Crete Island, but had experienced a delay in boarding the ferry. Despite his intentions to board, ferry workers denied him access and pushed him off the loading ramp, causing him to fall into the sea, where he drowned. The entire incident was captured on video by other Blue Horizon ferry passengers.

In response to the video evidence shared on social media, authorities took action. Four crew members of the Blue Horizon ferry, including the deck officer and the master, were promptly arrested. A Greek prosecutor filed criminal charges just one day after the tragic event, targeting the ferry captain and three of his crew members in connection with the 36-year-old man's death. One crew member faced charges of possible intentional homicide, while the other two were charged with complicity. The captain was charged with serious breaches of shipping regulations.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Στοιχεία Δημοσιότητας". Business Registry (in Greek). Union of Hellenic Chambers Of Commerce. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "ATTICA Report" (PDF). attica-group.com (in Greek). Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  3. ^ "ΓΝΩΣΤΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΗΣ ΣΤΑ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑΤΑ ΨΗΦΟΥ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΑ ΜΕ ΤΟ Ν. 3556/2007" (PDF) (in Greek). p. 1. Retrieved 12 December 2023. Η STRIX HOLDINGS L.P. η οποία ελέγχεται εμμέσως από τον MUBASHIR MUKADAM κατέχει άμεσα και έμμεσα μετοχές και δικαιώματα ψήφου στην Εκδότρια που αντιστοιχούν σε ποσοστό 86,704% επί του συνόλου των δικαιωμάτων ψήφου της Εκδότριας.
  4. ^ "Group Profile". Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  5. ^ "ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΓΧΩΝΕΥΣΗΣ ΜΕ ΑΠΟΡΡΟΦΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ "ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΝΑΥΤΙΛΙΑΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ Α.Ε." ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ "ATTICA A.E. ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΩΝ"" (PDF) (in Greek). Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  6. ^ a b Newsroom (2023-08-05). "Takeover of troubled ANEK by Attica Group is approved | eKathimerini.com". www.ekathimerini.com. Retrieved 2023-12-01. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ ".: Blue Star Ferries - news & announcements :". Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  8. ^ "2018 Annual Financial Report" (PDF). attica-group.com. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  9. ^ "ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΙΚΗΣ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΜΑΡΟΚΟ" (PDF). Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  10. ^ "GROUP PROFILE". attica-group. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Detained below deck". Lighthouse Reports. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
  12. ^ "Charges brought against Greek ferry crew over death of passenger pushed into sea". The Guardian. 13 September 2023.
  13. ^ Newsroom (2023-09-06). "Man dies after being forcefully pushed off ferry in Piraeus | eKathimerini.com". www.ekathimerini.com. Retrieved 2023-09-06. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  14. ^ "Greek ferry captain, 3 seamen charged over death". Associated Press News. 6 September 2023.
  15. ^ "Ο 36χρονος που έσπρωξαν στο Blue Horizon είχε εισιτήριο". 6 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Blue Horizon crew detained for the death of a 36-year-old Cretan man in the port of Piraeus".
  17. ^ "Blue Horizon: Τι θα ισχυριστούν οι κατηγορούμενοι για τη δολοφονία του Αντώνη". 7 September 2023.
  18. ^ "Captain, Crew Face Manslaughter Charges as Man Drowns Trying to Board Ferry".
[edit]
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