SymiGreece has learned that the sale of the "Proteus" to SAOS Ferries may have fallen through. It is now likely that the "Proteus" may return to the Dodecanese after the 21st of May to continue the subsidised inter-island service (Rhodes-Symi-Tilos-Nisiros-Kos) until the new contract for the re-tendenred route is formally awarded by the Government. The news were today confirmed by the managing director of ANES, Mr. Vasilis Papakalodoukas, in a statement to the Rhodes SKY radio station. Mr Papakalodoukas said that the "negotiations for the sale of the boat were not fruitful and it will therefore remain in the route until the re-tendering process for the subsidised route is completed".

As previously reported by SymiGreece, SAOS Ferries was the only company submitting a bid for the route with the boat "SAOS II". However, the reason for the delay in formally awarding the contract and SAOS II starting the service is the insistence by SAOS Ferries that the contract should be for six years and not for three which is what the Government proposes. SAOS II claims to be a "Category 2" boat and, thus, entitled to a six-year contract and higher subsidy (18,750 Euro per trip for the first year as opposed to 17,250 Euro per trip for a "Category 3" boat).

The inter-island service is temporarily being served by the catamarn "Dodekanisos Pride" (until 21st May 2007).

(0) Comments

Be the first to post a comment!