The following month is expected to be completed and delivered by the contractor of the strategy study To replace the ferry fleet and the reduction of the carbon footprint, a project with a total budget of EUR 1,171,555.
The study, implemented in collaboration with the HRADF Strategic Agreement, aims to evaluate the available techniques and technology solutions for the modernization of fleet ships in the light of energy efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The final deliverable will also include the design of a funding tool, which will facilitate the access of the companies in the industry to loan schemes and other financial instruments.
This study is a prerequisite for negotiation with the relevant Directorates of the European Commission, in terms of eligibility for funding from Community resources and compatibility with the context of state aid.
Shipbuilding programs
At the same time, the Attica Group and Grimaldi shipping groups are marketing private initiatives as they launched new shipbuilding programs.
Attica Group has already signed an agreement on the construction of two state-of-the-art e-Flexer vessels in China, with a tradition in 2027. The new ships will be Methanol Ready and Battery Ready, with three different fuel operating, enhancing its fleet to a viable perspective. In addition, the acquisition of a larger Aero Catamaran speedboat is planned.
For its part, the Grimaldi Group proceeds to construct nine new RO-PAX vessels, four of which will join its main fleet, three in the Finnlines subsidiary and two on the Minoan lines. This ambitious $ 1.5 billion program will be completed by the end of 2025, with new ships having methanol system, capacity of 2,500 passengers and modern environmental specifications.
Attractive methanol
Methanol, as an alternative fuel, is now in the spotlight. According to fuel executives, technology is mature and tested, with engines that require a slight addition of MGO (Marine Gas Oil) and water injection to reduce NOx emissions. Fuel tanks can even be adapted to existing ballast tanks if appropriate safety measures are taken.
On the other hand, the Greek shipbuilding industry is ready to support the construction of new ferry ships, while the strengthening of public and private cooperation, the formation of a “fund & reward” mechanism with a re -investment of carbon revenue in the industry, and the use of all European tax revenue, and the use of all European tax revenue.
At 4 billion euros the estimate for the ‘green’ transition
About four billion euros are estimated to be required to renew the aging Greek ferry fleet, with the aim of compliance with new environmental regulations and enhancing the viability of the industry.
The issue dominated the panel of the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, where industry officials and representatives of the Ministry of Shipping analyzed the challenges and the next steps.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime and Island Policy, Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis, said that by 2030, 70-75 ships would be replaced by age and strict emissions. It underlined the need to find appropriate financial tools through continuous consultation with the market and the European Union.
Attica Group CEO, Mr. Panos Roussios, stressed that businesses are called upon to invest in technologies uncertain and fuel of the future that remain unknown. At the same time, he cited as an example the use of biofuels on company ships, which are three times more expensive than conventional.
At the same wavelength, Minoan Lines CEO, Loukas Sigalas, referred to two new ecological ships expected to join the company’s fleet in 2028 for the Piraeus-Milos-Crete line, while stressing that the transition was at a high cost.
Special reference was made to the need for investment in ports so that ships can be powered by their beach, thereby limiting their environmental footprint.
Golden Star Ferries CEO, Mr. Chrysanthi Stefanou, openly expressed the company’s reservations to the “green transition”, arguing that small and medium -sized enterprises do not have the means to respond without state aid. “We can’t do it on our own,” he said characteristically, stressing that without support, such investments are impossible.
Overall, participants agreed that the transition to a sustainable shipping is necessary but requires strategic coordination, strong political will and funding accessibility. As Mr. Koutoulakis noted, “the islanders will not pay, nor will they be left without ships.”
Breath for passengers The restrained values
With 47 high -speed routing for the summer period of 2025, the Greek shipping is on aid track, offering more island destinations and possible price reductions, where conditions allow.
The gradual launch of the routes of the highlights began in mid -April and culminates in May, with the full development of the ferry project expected in early June.
Ferry companies are launching the routes based on demand to meet the needs of the increased passenger public who chooses the islands as a summer destination.
According to coastal executives, the use of high -speed taples that are not burdened by the mandatory use of the new fuel launched on May 1, coupled with a 50% reduction in port charges, is creating a budgetary margin for companies to proceed with prices where possible.
The prices of ferry tickets throughout the market remain restrained following the amendment by the Ministry of Shipping to reduce port fees by 50%, a decision that is part of the Shipping Support Strategy in view of the summer season.
Despite the pressure on increases of 12-15% due to the implementation of the new regulation for low sulfur maritime fuels since May 1, the state’s intervention with the reduction of fees and the co-existence of international fuel prices have at present prevented the adjustment of the fare.
As the relevant bodies point out, the ferry market, as well as the airline, is fully liberated and is governed by free competition rules, which does not allow for immediate state intervention in prices.
Nevertheless, the shipping support strategies are contributing to the balance of pressures and to maintain fare at a reasonable level.
The summer season of 2025 thus evolves into a critical phase for the accessibility of the islands, the quality of transport, but also for the maintenance of the social cohesion of island Greece.
Study on Ferry by Competition Committee
In a critical initiative for Greek ferry, the Competition Committee announced the launch of sectoral research in the sector sector, with a decision taken on April 15, 2025. The decision is based on Article 40 of Law 3959/2011 and aims to investigate the conditions of competition, prices and prices.
Ferry, one of the most neuralgic sectors for the Greek economy and island cohesion, faces chronic challenges that make institutional intervention imperative.
As the Commission points out, the provision of ferry services, although practiced by private bodies, bears a public service, given its vital role in the connection of the island areas with the mainland.
Preliminary market mapping has highlighted significant concerns. The landscape is characterized by an oligopolistic structure, with two large business schemes controlling 60% of the mid -range fleet and long distances.
Despite the liberalization of the market after the abolition of cabotage, the entry of new companies is limited, and in many cases the quality of the services remains inadequate.
According to the Commission, the current institutional framework for free launch has gaps, allowing distortions in competition and ineffective coverage of the islands’ needs. It is indicative that state expenditure on public service contracts increased dramatically – from € 10 million in 2001 to € 152 million in 2024 – to serve areas that remain outside the “commercial” interest of companies.
The network remains strongly concentrated around Piraeus, resulting in the deterioration of regional connectivity, and serious issues are found in port infrastructure, especially in the smaller islands. At the same time, the constant change in supervisory actors creates instability and ambiguity in the regulatory framework.
The survey, which is independent of the current exams of possible violations of the competition law and the relevant on -the -spot checks in September 2024, is expected to lead to specific policy proposals to improve market operation and enhance competition.
Source: RES-EIA