Greece Sets Up Online Boat and Yacht Charter System

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The Greek Shipping Ministry announced last week that a new charter permission system had been set up issuing digital permits that will enable pleasure boats to operate in Greece under specific terms and conditions.

The licensing concerns the charter of professional recreational vessels sailing under a foreign flag for a certain period of time and larger than 35 meters.

The new e-CharterPermission platform awards “charter permission” for contracts executed entirely within Greek territory and under the “Charter Permission Plus” option licensing for full charter contracts with sailing activities starting or ending in Greece.

Permits will apply for 28 days and can be modified, the ministry said.

The new “e-CharterPermission” application, which can be found here,  marks a step towards the digital transition of the yachting industry and the opening of the market to more vessels creating value added to services already on offer in Greece, said the ministry in a statement.

Screenshot of the new e-CharterPermission platform.

Screenshot of the new e-CharterPermission platform.

In addition to simplifying procedures and facilitating the legal operation of foreign luxury yachts in Greece, the new e-CharterPermission platform will also record, monitor and control charter activity across the country.

The ministry said the aim of the new system is to stimulate marine tourism, contribute to the development of a local pleasure boat cluster, the creation of new jobs, the provision of incentives to professional recreational boats (commercial yachts) to home port in Greece, and to support the national economy.