Discover the Asterion-Ii: Ratings & Maritime News

In a crucial early morning incident on May 27, the Heraklion Port Authority received an urgent communication from the Captain of the 'Heraklion II'. A 44-year-old passenger onboard required immediate medical assistance, prompting a swift decision to return to Heraklion. The ferry, which had just set sail on its regular route to Serifos and Piraeus, was swiftly redirected to the port. Once back at the dock, emergency responders were on hand to assist. The ailing passenger was promptly disembarked and transported by ambulance to the Heraklion University General Hospital for necessary medical care. The quick actions of the crew ensured that the passenger received timely treatment.

On May 8, 2023, the Port Authority of Tzelepis was alerted to a bow thruster malfunction aboard the ferry 'Asterion II' while it was mooring at the bustling Port of Piraeus. The vessel, carrying 377 passengers alongside 73 private cars, 122 additional motor vehicles, and 10 motorcycles, successfully docked with assistance from the tug 'Vernicos Liberty' (IMO: 9417866). After addressing the technical issue and conducting a thorough inspection by a Ship Inspection Team, the ferry was cleared to continue on its scheduled route to Serifos and Heraklion.

On April 2, 2025, significant delays were experienced at Heraklion Port when the 'Asterion II' encountered a mechanical issue that prevented its main ramp from opening during docking. The ferry was arriving from Piraeus with 411 passengers on board, along with 151 private vehicles, 134 trucks, and 12 motorcycles. Port Authority officials swiftly boarded the vessel to assess the situation. Fortunately, 337 foot passengers managed to disembark safely along with the motorcycles. However, the private vehicles and trucks remained aboard as engineers worked to rectify the issue. In response to the incident, the Central Port Authority of Heraklion has prohibited the ferry from sailing until repairs are completed and a seaworthiness certificate is issued by the relevant classification society. The 'Asterion II' was subsequently relocated to Perama on April 3 for necessary repairs.

In the early hours of December 22, an urgent notification was issued to the First Port Department of Tzelepi by the Central Port Authority of Piraeus regarding a mechanical failure on the Asterion II ferry. The vessel, which was traveling from Heraklion to Piraeus, experienced a significant issue with its starboard side main engine. Fortunately, the ferry was able to reach Piraeus safely with the help of a tugboat. Upon arrival, 990 passengers along with 240 cars, 5 motorcycles, and 88 trucks were successfully disembarked. However, the ship is currently prohibited from resuming any voyages until the necessary repairs are completed and the classification society verifies the maintenance through a certificate of class.

In the early hours of December 7, 2024, maritime authorities in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon were alerted to an engine issue affecting the port side main engine of the ferry 'Asterion II'. The vessel was en route from Piraeus to Heraklion when the engine damage occurred south of Milos. Demonstrating resilience, the 'Asterion II' managed to navigate under its own power to the port of Heraklion, where it successfully docked with the aid of two tugboats. Upon arrival, 491 passengers disembarked safely. However, the Central Port Authority of Heraklion has since prohibited any further sailing of the ferry until repairs are completed and a certification of class maintenance is provided by the relevant classification society.