Pending Waterway Bill Tabled in Greek Parliament

A draft law foreseeing the establishment of waterways in Greece, set to pave the way for the operation of seaplane flights as early as 2020 across the country has been tabled in parliament this week awaiting ratification.

Among others, the bill, which went up for public consultation last month simplifies licensing procedures for the establishment and operation of waterways and introduces other provisions including granting permits to private entities and establishing a committee for waterway inspections.

The proposed legislation also foresees a 10-euro waterway operation surcharge per passenger and sanctions granting waterway permits to tourist ports (marinas, shelters and berths), to areas of “integrated tourism development”, and to complex-style tourist accommodation facilities.

Additionally, according to the draft, certified Greek and foreign bodies will be able to provide training to staff, previously undertaken exclusively by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.

A lacking legal framework has delayed dozens of waterway projects across Greece for almost a decade. There are currently three licensed waterway projects in Greece, those of Patra, Corfu and Paxi.

The two companies seeking to get the waterway networks up and running are investors Hellenic Seaplanes and Water Airports SA.