ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Apri: A High-Speed Ferry with a Turbulent History

Apri, originally known as Capricorn, is a 146-meter high-speed monohull passenger and vehicle ferry built by Fincantieri in 1999. The vessel was constructed for the Italian shipping company Tirrenia – Compagnia italiana di navigazione and operated on several routes, including the Fiumicino - Golfo Aranci route until its discontinuation at the end of 2008.

In 2006, Apri was leased to Siremar's subsidiary in Naples to serve the Napoli-Isole Eolie route. However, due to skyrocketing fuel costs, the ship's operation was delayed and eventually led to a treaty in 2007 to bring the vessel into service. Despite its high speed and advanced technology, including two pairs of active stabilizers controlled by onboard software, Apri faced significant financial challenges.

The ferry underwent an aborted attempt to convert it into a luxury mega-yacht in Croatia before being sold for demolition in July 2011 under the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Aliağa in Turkey. However, before its scheduled demolition work began in November 2011, Apri was taken to West Palm Beach-based Avid Ltd., which planned to convert it into a luxury yacht.

Instead, the ship continued to rest until it became owned by the Cyprus-based shipping company Seajets in June 2019. Despite being operated under the name Apri since 2019, the vessel has not returned to service and remains with Chalkida ever since.

Technical Specifications

Apri is equipped with LM2500 series gas turbines, a derivative of the General Electric CF6-6 aircraft turbine, which are frequently used in warships, hydrofoils, hovercraft, and other vessels of this class. The turbines drive the center waterjet boosters, two KaMeWa 180 SII, while twin diesel engines drive the port and starboard waterjets, two Kamewa 140 SII.

The ferry features a unique hydraulic lifting system that allows for a garage roof height of 4.4 meters, enabling it to accommodate vehicles on board. The vessel is organized into six decks: three used for passenger transportation and three for transporting vehicles.

History in Cyprus

Although Apri's history is closely tied to the Italian shipping industry, its current ownership by Seajets, a Cyprus-based company, marks an