Hellenic Coastal Lines: Measures for the November Lockdown

By | 2020 Newsletter week 46 | No Comments

According to a new Ministerial Decision, the measures taken concerning the operation of the Coastal Shipping in Greece from November 1 to November 30, 2020 are as follows:

  • Only the permanent residents of the islands will be allowed to travel by passenger or passenger ferries
  • Passengers without face masks will not be allowed to embark on board ferries
  • The allowed ferry capacity is set at 50%, or 55% if they have cabins
  • The operation of all types of ships and boats, including private excursion boats and commercial tourist ships, boats and sea taxis from mainland Greece to the islands and vice versa, as well as between of the islands is forbidden
  • The arrival of cruise ships is prohibited, regardless of the flag for the ship. Cruise ships, that are already in Greek waters can continue without disembarking the passengers in the ports of approach, except the planned final port of the cruise, if it is Greek.

Coastal Shipping Financial Support And Port Investments Are The Hellenic Ministry Of Shipping’s Main Priorities

By | 2020 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

On June 10, 2020 the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr Giannis Plakiotakis stated during a press conference that the Ministry’s main priorities remain the financial support of Coastal Shipping as well as the utilization of Greece’s ten major ports.

As far as the financial support to the country’s ferry operators is concerned, he noted that the Ministry of Shipping is in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and they are preparing a joint proposal to the European Commission, in order to compensate the ferry operators that were financially affected by the pandemic, with community funds.

At the same time, he added that the development of ferry connections is a strategic choice for the government, which is also considering further support for coastal shipping.

Referring to the ports, he stressed that the plans for their development are proceeding normally, as the interest of the investors remains strong. It is noted that the American interest in the port of Alexandroupolis is intense and the procedures will begin immediately, while the Grimaldi Group has expressed interest for the port of Igoumenitsa.