CHAMPION JET 1 is a high-speed passenger and vehicle catamaran operated by Seajets. Built by Incat in Tasmania, Australia, in 1997, the vessel has had a long international career before becoming one of the most recognisable high-speed ferries operating from Piraeus. She was originally delivered as CONDOR VITESSE and spent many years on Channel Islands and UK–France services before being sold to Seajets in 2015.
The vessel measures 86.62 metres in length and 26 metres in beam, with a gross tonnage of 5,007 GT. Propulsion is provided by four Ruston 20RK270 diesel engines driving four waterjets, giving a maximum speed of around 40–42 knots. Seajets currently lists capacity for up to 1,000 passengers and 200 vehicles.
CHAMPION JET 1 has a particularly strong connection with Piraeus. After her acquisition by Seajets, she sailed from Falmouth and arrived at Piraeus for the first time on 14 March 2015, at around 06:30 in the morning. Following preparation for Greek service, she began operating from Piraeus to Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini during the 2015 summer season.
Vessel Details
Name: CHAMPION JET 1
Former Name: CONDOR VITESSE
Original Identification: INCAT 044
IMO: 9151008
MMSI: 209440000
Call Sign: 5BFR4
Type: High-Speed Passenger / Vehicle Catamaran
Flag: Cyprus
Port of Registry: Limassol
Built: 1997
Builder: Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd., Hobart, Australia
Yard Number: 044
Owner: H.S.J. High Speed Jet Services Ltd.
Operator: Seajets
Classification: RINA
Length Overall: 86.62 m
Beam: 26.00 m
Draught: approx. 3.6 m
Gross Tonnage: 5,007 GT
Deadweight: approx. 350 t
Passenger Capacity: up to 1,000
Vehicle Capacity: up to 200 cars
Main Engines: 4 × Ruston 20RK270
Propulsion: 4 × Lips LJ145D waterjets
Maximum Speed: approx. 40–42 knots
History
The vessel was launched in May 1997 as Incat hull 044 and entered service as CONDOR VITESSE. She became strongly associated with Condor Ferries, operating between the United Kingdom, France and the Channel Islands. Between 1999 and 2000 she was chartered to New Zealand’s Interislander service, where she operated across Cook Strait while retaining the Condor Vitesse name.
She subsequently returned to European service and also operated in cooperation with Brittany Ferries. In January 2015, Condor announced the sale of CONDOR VITESSE and sister ship CONDOR EXPRESS to Seajets. The vessel was renamed CHAMPION JET 1 on 6 March 2015 and sailed for Greece shortly afterwards.
CHAMPION JET 1 and Piraeus
The vessel's arrival at Piraeus in March 2015 marked the beginning of a new and long-lasting stage in her career. Her first commercial crossing to and from Piraeus took place on 30 May 2015, shortly before the start of the regular Piraeus–Mykonos–Naxos–Santorini service.
Since then, CHAMPION JET 1 has operated on several Greek routes, including services from Piraeus to the Cyclades. In the 2026 season she has again appeared on Seajets schedules serving the Aegean, while the company continues to list her as an active member of its high-speed fleet.
PiraeuShips Record
CHAMPION JET 1 was recorded at Piraeus by PiraeuShips during her Seajets career. Her appearance in the archive is particularly significant because the vessel has been closely associated with Piraeus since her first arrival in Greece in March 2015 and has since become one of the most familiar large high-speed catamarans operating in Greek waters.
No comments:
Post a Comment