Greece is stepping up efforts to stabilize ferry ticket prices and modernize its coastal shipping sector, as environmental regulations drive up operating costs, the Hellenic Republic established a move to upgrade its coastal services.
The Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias speaking recently to the Greek Press reiterared that a 50% cut in port fees, announced earlier this month, will take effect from 1st May 2025.
This move aims to ease the financial burden on operators switching to EU - mandated low - sulfur fuels, a vital step for the environment but one that threatens higher fares.
The Minister said that Greece's priority is to keep ferry travel affordable and accessible, not a luxury, and the government will continue offering fare discounts for students, island residents, large families, and social tourism participants.
While ferries operate under free market principle, the government has the appropriate tools to prevent unfair pricing, with the confidence that competition, alongside the fee reduction, would help contain ticket costs.
The Greek Minister with regard to addressing concern from port authorities about revenue losses, confirmed they would be compensated through the Green Fund, well known fund for climate finance that was established within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with additional support for ports investing in modernitazion.
Looking ahead, Greece's five - year maritime strategy which aims to balance economic development with ecological protection while ensuring a sustainable blue economy also has a plan focuses on fleet renewal, expanded island connectivity, and upgrading ferry terminals into full - service hubs, supported by a €583 million investment program combining public and private funds.
Concerning passengers rights, the Minister said that strict regulations are in place to manage delays and cncellations, ensuring timely updates and traveller protections and he stated that the maritime sector, despite being moving more than 25 million passengers and nearly 6 million vehicles, annually has the need for a redesign of ferry routes.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the Hellenic Coast Guard in defending Greece' maritime borders, with ongoing investments in new equipment and infrastructure and he added that new technologies, including AI will help to optimize services to better meet modern travel demands.
Link - https://news.gtp.gr/2025/04/25/greece-moves-to-stabilize-ferry-prices-upgrade-coastal-services/
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