Hellenic Seaways

Hellenic Seaways is a Greek shipping line founded in 1984 as Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises by the Livanos family, initially operating hydrofoils in the Saronic Gulf and to the Sporades. In 2018 the Attica Group acquired the majority stake in Minoan Lines for €78.5 million.

Hellenic Seaways runs ferry services from Piraeus, Lavrio and Volos to the islands of the Aegean. Destinations include the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands, Crete and the north-east Aegean. Key routes connect Piraeus with Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, and Volos with Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. The Piraeus–Hydra route takes about 1 hour 51 minutes, with 2 daily and 17 weekly departures.

The fleet comprises 17 ferries of various types: conventional ferries, speedboats, hydrofoils and catamarans. In 2011 the company operated more than 35 ships serving over 35 ports. The Flying Dolphin 17, 19 and 29 are identical hydrofoils, each carrying 130 passengers.

In 1999 the company was renamed Minoan Flying Dolphins and grew through the acquisitions of Agapitos, Agoudimos, Nomikos Lines, Ventouris Ferries and Goutos. In 2007 Hellenic Seaways won the Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Award for best passenger shipping company, and again in 2014. The ships Nissos Chios and Nissos Mykonos were named ships of the year. Numbered airline-style seating is available on board.