Kythira Ferry Link on the Back Burner

A ferry link connecting the remote island of Kythira with the port of Piraeus appears to be on hold after the tender launched by the shipping ministry remained fruitless.

The newly set up Coastal Transport Council is expected to convene on Monday, to examine new proposals focusing instead on linking the island with the ports of Gytheion and Kastelli.

Subsidy for the link will remain at the same rate per mile, with the ministry setting a minimum requirement for the ship to accommodate at least 300 passengers in winter and 450 in the summer.

Meanwhile, ferry operators are calling on the ministry to prioritize the issue allowing for the operation of a more advanced vessel to operate the Piraeus –Kythira – Antikythira – Kissamos (Kastelli, Crete) route in order to tap into increased funding.

No operator expressed interest in the ministry’s call after Lane Sea Lines’ ‘Vitsentzos Kornaros’ remained docked due to mechanical failure.

The issue has spurred the reaction of Kythira locals.