Reviews & Ratings for the Andros-King

In a surprising turn of events, the crew from Golden Star Ferries has vacated the 'Volcán de Taburiente' on September 23, following an order from the Greek shipping company. This ferry, owned by Naviera Armas, has been docked at the Nelson Mandela port in Las Palmas for over a week, awaiting the Greek team to finalize its purchase and transfer to the Aegean Sea. Complications arose as the buyer insisted on a thorough inspection of the underwater hull by a team of divers. Sources familiar with the crew's experiences on the ferry have indicated that the vessel has long suffered from hull cracks. These issues stem from a problematic retrofit, where four engines were installed instead of the original two, resulting in strong vibrations at the stern that have exacerbated the hull integrity concerns.

On September 17, 2023, the renowned ferry 'Volcán de Taburiente' is set to transition from the Armas Trasmediterránea Group to the Greek shipping company, Golden Star Ferries. While the financial details surrounding this acquisition remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that the transaction value could fall anywhere between 20 and 30 million Euros. Following the sale, the existing crew members will be reassigned to other vessels within the company's fleet. The decision to sell the ferry was influenced by a combination of factors, including technical and financial challenges, particularly concerning the ship's ability to meet new environmental standards due to its lack of scrubbers.

On July 24, 2024, Golden Star Ferries, a prominent Greek shipping company, proudly announced the acquisition of the ferry 'Volcán de Taburiente' from Naviera Armas. This purchase follows an inspection of the vessel conducted by company representatives in La Palma last February. In an official press release, Golden Star Ferries remarked, 'We are delighted to share our commitment to reliability, responsibility, and evolution with this new addition to our fleet. The F/B Volcán de Taburiente, soon to be renamed 'Golden Star', will be among the newest and most advanced vessels operating in Greek waters.' This strategic acquisition signifies a transformative step for Golden Star Ferries, positioning the company as a key player in the maritime sector of Greece. The 'Golden Star' will not only enhance transportation services for local communities but also support the development of the islands in the region. Although the ship is set to arrive in Greece in September 2024, it will first undergo remodeling to ensure compliance with Greek maritime regulations.