Focusing on innovation and investing on a passenger-oriented approach, ANEK LINES has brought a quality evolution in maritime transport, contributing to the development of the coastal shipping industry and establishing new routes in the Aegean and the Adriatic Sea. The company was established on April 10th, 1967, under the name “Anonimi Naftiliaki Etairia Kritis SA” and trade name “ANEK LINES”. Its first shareholders were everyday men from Crete who moved frequently between Crete and Mainland Greece and wanted to travel with large and safe ships. ANEK began operating as a passenger line in September 1970 when the company’s first ship, the unforgettable “KYDON” set sail from Chania, Crete to Piraeus. Since then, the company has engaged in an impressive course. ANEK LINES large fleet consists of 9 privately-owned state-of-the-art vessels, of Greek ship register, that are certified as per National Safety and Quality Systems such as ISM & ISPS Systems, ΙSO & HACCP. The company is managed by a 15-member Board and employs approximately 900 people as crew and commercial administrative staff. The company is registered in Chania, Crete and operates in privately-owned, state-of-the-art offices that also house a spacious conference centre of 500 persons capacity.