The Journey of <a href='/ships/af-francesca-7602089'>Af-Francesca</a>: From Stormy Waters to the Breaking Yard

The maritime saga of the Af-Francesca has seen notable twists in its service history, especially highlighted by a significant incident on August 30, 2025. During a severe storm while operating on the essential Durrës-Bari route, the ferry broke loose from its moorings at the quay in Durrës. Fortunately, swift action by maritime authorities, including the Port Authority, the Durrës Port Authority, and the ASHD Tugboat, enabled the vessel to regain stability and safely resume its journey towards Bari. This incident underscores the challenges faced by ferries operating in unpredictable weather conditions, and the effectiveness of maritime emergency response teams. For detailed visuals of the moment, reports can be found here: [Vision Plus](https://www.vizionplus.tv/moti-i-keq-shkeputen-litaret-e-anijes-durres-bari/) and [Gazeta Express](https://www.gazetaexpress.com/de/era-i-keput-litaret-anijes-ne-portin-e-durresit/).

Transitioning from its rowdy past, the Af-Francesca embarked on what would be its final voyage on February 28, 2026. Departing from the port of Durrës, the ferry sailed towards Aliaga, a port in Turkey known for ship dismantling. The vessel had an estimated time of arrival set for March 3, 2026, marking the end of its operational life. The journey to Aliaga signifies a turning point for the Af-Francesca, which has served countless passengers through turbulent waters and contributed to the maritime connectivity between Albania and Italy. As she approaches the breakers, her legacy will serve as a testament to the resilience of maritime transport in the face of nature's unpredictability.