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Saonisos

Converted drive-on cargo ship now running as a passenger and vehicle ferry · operated by SAOS Ferries

Passengers341
Vehicles45 cars
Service speed16 kn

A well-travelled ex-Japanese drive-on cargo ship rebuilt for passengers, with a service history that reads like a tour of the Aegean - Samothraki, the Sporades, the Cyclades lifeline, and now the small Dodecanese islands between Samos and Kos.

Previously sailed as Liberty B, Liberty Bell and Rokko Express.

On board the Saonisos

  • Bar
  • Outside deck
  • Pets allowed

Where you can sit

  • Deck seatsOutdoor deck seating, smoking area
  • SaloonInterior saloon with bar
  • Air-type seatsReclining airline-type seating

Where is the Saonisos now?

Looking for her latest AIS position…

Positions by AIS from the University of the Aegean’s Aegean network. Coastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Live positions are indicative and are not a navigational aid.

Specifications

Built1994
Built inJapan
Length78 m
Beam12 m
Gross tonnage1,142
Service speed16 knots
Top speed19.5 knots

Where the Saonisos sails

Scheduled crossings over the next 14 days, busiest first.

and 48 more crossings over the same period.

Usually works Samos-Agathonisi-Farmakonisi-Arkioi-Patmos-Leipsoi-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos-Astypalaia.

  • Route has changed almost every year since her 2018 debut, so double-check the current line before assuming last season's schedule still applies.
  • Carries both cars and trucks, useful for island residents as much as tourists.
Book your ferry tickets here

Frequently asked questions

What is the Saonisos like?

A well-travelled ex-Japanese drive-on cargo ship rebuilt for passengers, with a service history that reads like a tour of the Aegean - Samothraki, the Sporades, the Cyclades lifeline, and now the small Dodecanese islands between Samos and Kos. She is a conventional ferry built in 1994.

Who operates the Saonisos?

The Saonisos is operated by SAOS Ferries.

Does the Saonisos carry cars?

Yes. The Saonisos is a vehicle ferry and carries up to 45 cars as well as foot passengers.

How fast is the Saonisos?

She works at a service speed of 16 knots, with a top speed of 19.5 knots.

Which routes does the Saonisos sail?

Over the next 14 days the Saonisos is scheduled on Agathonissi to Agia Marina, Agathonissi to Arki, Agathonissi to Kalymnos and Agathonissi to Lipsi, among 72 crossings in all.

Vessel details as published by the operators and cross-checked against maritime registers. Schedules from the current timetable. Updated 25 August 2026.