April 15, 2025 — Today marks a significant anniversary in the history of the Spirit of Tasmania ships, which currently operate on the Bass Strait, connecting mainland Australia to Tasmania. Exactly 30 years ago, on April 15, 1995, the Superfast I embarked on its maiden voyage from Patras, Greece, to Ancona, Italy, a journey that would set the stage for a transformative era in ferry travel and eventually lead to the ships’ current role in Tasmania.
The Superfast I and its sister ship Superfast II, built in Germany, were the first of their kind for Superfast Ferries, a company founded by Greek shipping magnate Pericles Panagopoulos. Panagopoulos is widely regarded as the pioneer of the modern Greek ferry industry, having revolutionized maritime transport by investing in new, state-of-the-art vessels during the mid-1990s. His decision to commission the Superfast ships for the Adriatic route not only elevated the standards of international ferry travel but also inspired a wave of new shipbuilding among Greek operators, often backed by bank financing.
Following the success of the initial pair, Superfast Ferries ordered a second pair of ships, Superfast III and Superfast IV. These vessels eventually became the Spirit of Tasmania ferries that now serve the Bass Strait. Additionally, the Superfast II from the first pair briefly operated in Tasmania as Spirit III, further tying the legacy of these ships to the region.
The Superfast Ferries introduced in 1995 were groundbreaking for their time, offering unprecedented speed and comfort on the Patras-Ancona route, with journeys taking just 20 hours. This innovation not only reshaped the Greek ferry industry but also left a lasting impact on global maritime travel, as evidenced by the continued operation of these ships in Tasmania today.
