Symi Water Taxi

Greek passenger vessel repowers with Cummins. 

Cruising to Symi on a water taxi is more than a boat ride across the Aegean Sea. Departing the eastern shore of the Greek mainland, passengers feel the wind in their hair and magic in the air approaching the world’s most incredible, secluded beaches nestled away on remote islands accessible only by boat.

Boasting 10,000 miles of coastlines and paradisiacal islets renowned for crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing Greek water taxis busy shuttling passengers from ship to shore.

“This particular craft operates for daily tours and transfers on the isolated island of Symi,” said Aris Zeis of Motocraft SA. “This small, scenic island has a total area of 21 square miles and is a fishing island famous for the sea sponge industry and ancient archaeological sites.”

As a certified passenger vessel licensed to carry 55 guests to the island several times a day, the Symi water taxi runs hard on a set schedule, circumnavigating the 12 nautical miles around the island. When it was time to repower the vessel, the captain chose Cummins engines due to the excellent performance and ready availability of components and parts.

Cruising at 26.5 knots, this passenger vessel was spec’d by IERISSOS Shipyard the builder with FPT N60 400’s. The Symi Water Taxi counts on Cummins, choosing to repower with twin Cummins QSB 6.7 480 HP engines designed to withstand constant operation and challenging conditions.

QSB 6.7 engines are designed for commercial marine operators requiring strong, dependable workhorses. With improved idle stability and reduced noise and vibration resulting from Cummins Modular Common Rail fuel system, the QSB.

6.7 is a platform for future emissions around the world and is compliant with MARPOL IMO rules. 

The Cummins comprehensive warranty backed by a global service network matters to commercial operators like water taxis. While cruise cancellations are expected based on wind and sea conditions, mechanical issues must be minimized for working vessels in continuous operation. 

Vessel Specifications

Engine refit - 2x Cummins QSB 6.7 480

Type - Vertical, four-stroke, 6-cylinder inline diesel

Rating - 473 BHP (353 kW) @ 3000 RPM

Gear/Ratio - ZF280-1 A/2.476:1

Propeller - 25.7 X 35.0* 4BL

Original engines - FPT N60 400

Max speed - 31.5 knots

Cruise speed - 26.5 knots

Fuel consumption - 130 liters/hour

LOA - 12.80 m

Beam - 4.10 m

Displacement - 12.000 kg

Fuel capacity - 1,800L

Buildier - Ierissos