1. How was the important summer traffic on different routes and trading areas?

Our traffic volumes this summer were lower compared to last year however with much lower sailings.

On the Greek Domestic lines, we observed somewhat lower overall volumes compared to last year, the difference deriving mainly from our Cycladic trade where we reduced our activity and we operated with two vessels less. However, other routes including our Cretan trade have outperformed last year’s volumes.

Concerning the Italy – Greece routes we have noticed a decrease in passenger and private vehicles traffic this year while cargo traffic was better than last year. The competition is still intense besides the fact that the volumes of passengers, vehicles and cargo are overall stabilized over the past few years.

However, total revenue has not been affected compared to 2018.

Regarding Africa Morocco Link the main goal for 2019, which was the strengthening of our capacity in the existing line, has been achieved with the addition of two vessels (one chartered for the summer and one on long-term bare boat charter). Following this, we observe a positive outcome concerning the summer traffic as the passenger volumes have been increased by 9%, while the cargo units have been increased by 30% compared to 2018. The aforementioned percentages are translated to an almost 20% increase in revenues vs last year.

2. What has been the customer and operational advantages with the new set up after the HSW incorporation? Is it as expected? Can more be done?

Concerning the operational integration of Hellenic Seaways into Attica’s organization, it was completed as from last March.

A new organizational structure has been put in place in order to facilitate the operations according to the new size of the Group. Based on the new structure all operations are performed centrally and are streamlined independently from the brand perspective. The outcome of the above proved to be better than expected as all corporate procedures, as well as all operational systems have been integrated creating a unified environment which made the business life of all employees, suppliers and partners easier and more efficient. Furthermore, the new set up gives us the ability to exchange vessels despite their brand identity in order to better handle capacities, meeting this way demand with supply as well as serve our customer base appropriately without really caring with which brand of the Group they are travelling with.

But the above mentioned consist only the beginning of our action plan as we are planning to update all Group’s regulations, codes, policies and processes with emphasis to further operational optimization. In addition, we are working on reinforcing our company’s culture and core values in order to empower our work force.

As far as the customer advantages are concerned following the acquisition of Hellenic Seaways, Attica Group’s network has been broadened offering to passengers many additional destinations, by operating now in 4 countries, serving 60 destinations and connecting 71 ports. Furthermore, the Attica Group fleet consists of 31 modern and technologically advanced conventional as well as high-speed vessels, providing high quality transportation services for passengers, cargo and private vehicles, which meet the wide range of different needs of all our customers.

Moreover, our sales network has been expanded giving the opportunity to customers to purchase their tickets from 30 Premium Sales Agents and 81 Port agents for Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Superfast Ferries, plus 13 Premium Sales Agents and 2 Port agents for AML. In addition, our two central reservation systems are connected with over 10,000 on-line travel agencies.

Of course, there are a lot more to be done, one of which is to optimize every touch point throughout the customer journey offering a seamless experience. Being consistent with this, Attica Group is currently investing in the renewal of the internet sites of Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways in order to offer a tailormade experience to each user, customized to his needs and preferences. Additionally, our Loyalty Scheme “Seasmiles”, already counting more that 300,000 members, is planned to be revamped providing more options to our members. We are also working on other innovative digitization projects as well as data driven personalization. Finally, we aim to refresh our onboard experience by offering new and better services.

3. What tonnage development will be needed the next 24 months? Passenger and freight wise?

We are currently evaluating the fleet deployment scenarios for next year. We are continuously investigating the possibility of adding a couple of quality second hand vessels in our tonnage appropriate for our domestic services. Furthermore, we are continuing our research and development on the newbuilding front with as many as possible green elements attached. It is also worth mentioning that BLUE CARRIER 1 was added last July in our fleet reinforcing our freight capacity and we are satisfied with the results of her deployment.

4. Do you expect any changes/improvements with the new government for;

  • Business in general
  • Ferry Industry

The new government wishes to implement structural reforms concerning the State’s operation. Since a significant part of this government comes from the Private sector and is business oriented, we expect that the strategy will be more growth friendly. They have announced a very aggressive plan welcoming new investments in Greece.

In addition to the above, as far as the Ferry industry is concerned, the government seems to be active and interested in ensuring the conditions for the smooth operation of the industry, meeting the needs of the operators. An increased focus is being placed by the new Government on the PSO routes, aiming to be operated by high quality vessels, securing country cohesion.

5. How do you look at the development plans for the ports of Piraeus and Rafina?

Piraeus is the biggest port in Greece and is a hub port for transportation. A new master plan has been announced concerning the port of Piraeus, including new investments of totally €800 million. The specific plan aims to empower Piraeus and includes the construction of new terminals, new docks, hotels as well as cruise facilities.

As far as the plans for Rafina Port are concerned reference is made to a huge investment including the construction of a giant port with terminals, combined with parking spaces, car waiting areas, as well as a convention center of 300 people, café-restaurants and shops.

We wish to believe that the implementation of the above plans will begin in the near future. Attica Group, being a leading operator in Greece, will be fully aligned with those initiatives, providing superior services to passengers and cargo, while contributing to the country’s economic development and especially Greece’s tourism industry