Working Conditions Aboard the Vilnius

Ukrferry is excited to announce the launch of its latest maritime service connecting the Bulgarian port of Varna with Georgia's Batumi. Utilizing the 'Vilnius', a vessel engineered to accommodate 50 universal railway wagons alongside 50 heavy TIR trucks, the ferry has successfully made its maiden voyage from Varna to Batumi and returned. The next scheduled departure is set for January 21, 2025. The new route will operate on a weekly basis, making it an essential connection for those looking to transport goods and passengers. Interested parties can place transportation orders by reaching out directly to agents at either of the ports. Here are the contact links for assistance: Varna Agents - https://www.ukrferry.com/en/contacts/agenty-v-bolgarii and Batumi Agents - https://www.ukrferry.com/en/contacts/in-georgia. The 'Vilnius' has undergone refurbishments at the Varna Ship Repair and Shipbuilding Plant, ensuring it meets all necessary safety and operational standards. The reputable Bulgarian maritime agency, Vart BG, confirmed that the vessel has successfully passed all inspections, allowing it to operate without issues from the Varna ferry complex. In addition to rail wagons and trucks, the 'Vilnius' welcomes other rolling stock as well as passengers with their vehicles. The interest in transportation options between Varna and Georgia has been increasingly significant. Notably, in December 2024, the AIA ferry facilitated the transport of railway tankers and wagons from Varna to Poti for the second time. Meanwhile, AIA operates regular routes between the Romanian port of Constanța and Georgia, while the E60 Shipping Line has also expressed intentions to commence regular ferry services between Varna and Poti. For schedules and tariffs regarding the 'Vilnius', please visit the following links: Schedule - https://www.ukrferry.com/en/schedule and Tariffs - https://www.ukrferry.com/en/tariffs.

The port city of Iljichevsk, Ukraine, has officially welcomed the M/V Vilnius Seaways, heralded as the world's largest rail/motor ferry. This monumental vessel began its regular operations on the Iljichevsk–Poti (Georgia) ferry route in July 2013, as confirmed by the Sea Commercial Port of Illichivsk. This new service not only enhances connectivity but also merges the Baltic and Black Seas into a cohesive transport-logistical network. The Vilnius Seaways has been transferred to Ukrferry by Denmark's DFDS Seaways, marking it as the second ferry facilitating transport between Ukraine and Georgia. The inaugural vessel on this route, the M/V Greifswald, continues to operate weekly on the Iljichevsk–Batumi line, while the Vilnius Seaways follows suit with its own weekly service from Iljichevsk to Poti.

On September 11, 2012, federal authorities apprehended a 44-year-old Latvian passenger aboard the 'Victoria Seaways' during a routine control at East Shore Port, Kiel. The individual was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years for charges related to human smuggling and sexual exploitation, a significant offense that led to a portion of his punishment being served in custody. Following his initial release, the man was deported back to Latvia. However, an enforcement warrant had been issued against him for potential re-entry into Germany. Upon illegally returning from Klaipeda to Kiel, the federal police acted on the warrant and executed his arrest. The man is now facing the remainder of his sentence, which amounts to 209 days, in prison in Kiel. This case highlights ongoing efforts in combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims as law enforcement remains vigilant against such crimes.