Greek Ports Report Summer Traffic Drop

Greek shipping recorded a small drop in passenger and freight traffic during the summer period when compared with the same period in 2008, the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, The Aegean and Island Policy recently said.

According to the ministry, during the 1 June-31 August period a total of 185,835 routes and 21,235,239 passengers were recorded from all Greek ports, along with 4,415,555 private cars, 692,432 trucks and 907,508 motorcycles.

During the same period in 2008, a total of 218,933 routes were performed and 21,939,289 passengers traveled. Automobile transportation via ships for that year included 4,477,592 private cars, 763,520 trucks and 976,193 motorcycles.

According to the ministry, the data suggests that the significant reduction in itineraries and passenger and cargo movement is attributed to the global economic crisis.

In addition, the ministry stressed that special attention was given to the rights of passengers in accordance with Law 3709/2008 that was voted in Parliament in regards to travelers on Greek ships (passenger Charter).