Greece Coastal Shipping Activity Up by 36% in 2022

Transport activities of Greece’s coastal shipping sector increased by 36 percent in 2022 with operators handling a total of 17.5 million passengers, up by 12 percent, and 3.7 million vehicles, found an annual study released this week by XTRC Business Consultants.

According to the 22nd “Greek Coastal Shipping” study, this summer alone, a total of 150 ships are covering the transport needs of 115 Greek islands, offering daily connections with the mainland and other island destinations.

The XRTC study divided the country’s coastal shipping fleet into three categories according to size. In the first group companies like Attica Group, Crete’s ΑΝΕΚ and Minoan – all listed – with a total of 45 ships and covering the largest share of transport activity in Greece. Last week, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) approved a merger between Attica Group and ANEK Lines.

The medium-sized group includes Seajets, Fast Ferries, Levante Ferries και Golden Star Ferries, which operate ships all year round. Seajet operates the largest number of high-speeds mainly during the peak tourist season.

And lastly, in the “small company” category, study analysts have placed 26 shipping operators which mostly serve remote island areas and regions. These local lines offer innovative management structures, loyalty programs, online reservations and check-in, and e-tickets.

According to the same study, the biggest challenge facing coastal shipping companies is the fact that the fleet is getting old. Eighty-six percent on average of Greece’s ships are over 20 years of age, significantly above the European average, found the XRTC study.