Greek ferry sources report that Ablemonas, a newly established Greek ferry operator, is tying up a deal to acquire the 2,600-gt ro-pax ferry Ionis (built 1977).

The aim of the company is to operate the ship between the Greek mainland and the island of Kythiria.

The island has been without a dedicated passenger and ro-ro service to the port of Piraeus for the past two months after incumbent holder of the subsidized public service route, Lane Sea Lines, withdrew its 6,400-gt ro-pax ferry Vitsentzos Kornaros (built 1976) from service due to engine problems.