MV Gemini Collides with Pier at Port Piraeus (Athens) – 5 September 2025

On 5 September 2025, the cruise vessel MV Gemini struck the pier during docking maneuvers at Port Piraeus, Athens, Greece. The collision resulted in hull damage above the waterline, classified as "substantial" by initial reports. No passengers were required to evacuate and no injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

Port authorities and the vessel's technical team immediately commenced a joint inspection to assess the extent of damage and determine repair requirements before the ship could resume scheduled itineraries. The incident has renewed concerns about the operational reliability of the aging vessel, which has experienced multiple mechanical and structural setbacks in recent months.

The MV Gemini made unintended contact with the pier during a controlled morning docking approach. The impact resulted in a breach above the waterline, significant enough to trigger immediate technical evaluation by port authorities and the ship's engineering team. Passengers remained onboard throughout the incident and were not required to muster or evacuate.

Vessel

• Name: MV Gemini
• Type: Cruise vessel
• Built: 1992
• Port of Registry: Not specified in source

Incident location

• Port Piraeus, Athens, Greece
• Date: 5 September 2025

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No evacuation required; all passengers and crew remained safely onboard.

The MV Gemini, built in 1992, has experienced recurring mechanical and structural issues in recent months. In March 2025, the vessel suffered an engine-room fire shortly after departing Piraeus. Although the fire was contained, the ship was forced to drift back under limited propulsion, disrupting its voyage. The September collision represents the second significant incident within six months and has raised questions about the vessel's seaworthiness and suitability for continued operation under heavy seasonal workloads in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The vessel remains under inspection at Port Piraeus pending completion of the joint technical assessment. The extent of repairs required will determine the timeline for resuming scheduled itineraries. Operations may face delays depending on inspection findings, as the hull breach has been categorized as substantial and may require extensive remedial work before the ship is cleared to sail.