Attica’s Top Ports Handle 4 Million Travelers in July-August

Piraeus port.

The record growth of travelers using ferry services in Greece topped the agenda of talks between Shipping Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and representatives from the Greek Shipowners Association For Passenger Ships (SEEN).

According to Varvitsiotis, in July and August, the three largest ports of Attica, those in Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, handled a total of 4 million travelers, breaking all records and reflecting the fast growth of the sector.

He went on to attribute the positive figures to the significant discounts offered by ferry operators who responded to the government’s call earlier this summer to reduce fares to help ease the cost of living crisis impacting Greek households.

Shipping Minister Michalis Varvitsiotis (photo center) with Greek Shipowners Association For Passenger Ships (SEEN) representative . Photo source: Shipping Ministry.

Varvitsiotis added that the development of the sector contributes to the development of the islands. “Sustainability of the companies, the renewal of the fleet and accessibility of the islanders are key components of the next day for the coastal shipping sector,” he said.

According to a study released earlier this month, transport activity carried out by 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.

“We want healthy, strong and profitable shipping companies in order to have ferries operating on all lines so that no island is isolated and forgotten throughout the year,” said Varvitsiotis.

The port of Rafina.

During the meeting the minister and SEEN members discussed sector challenges key among which the urgent need to renew the country’s coastal shipping fleet which is getting old. According to the study, 86 percent of Greece’s shipping fleet is on average over 20 years of age, significantly above the European average.

In relevant news, Varvitsiotis also announced this week that the ministry had approved funding for three key Thasos port upgrade projects.