Greece Steps Up Efforts to Address Ferry Ticket Pricing Violations

Port of Piraeus. Photo source: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is monitoring the prices of ferry tickets in Greece to ensure that any changes are reported to the authorities as required by Greek law.

Already in the period of June 27 to July 28 this summer, officers of the Greek coastguard made 2,120 checks concerning ferry ticket pricing, pinpointing 24 violations due to failure to report changes to the authorities.

Visiting the Port of Piraeus on Thursday, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides addressed ferry ticket profiteering, stating that violators have been penalized.

“We will continue inspections,” Stylianides said, noting that a case has already been referred to the Competition Commission. “We await its decision so that, if the complaint is substantiated, it will be addressed severely to send a clear message.”

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides. Photo source: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

Regarding potential price cuts for passenger ship tickets, the minister mentioned ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Economics and Finance about VAT. “We will evaluate the overall economic policy and fiscal constraints to reach a comprehensive government decision,” he added.

Stylianides also reiterated that safety is the top priority for his ministry, citing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s emphasis on the non-negotiable nature of ferry safety in Greek waters.

During his visit, Stylianides observed high traveler volumes at the port of Piraeus this summer, with trips proceeding smoothly so far. “As citizens, we must insist on prioritizing safety,” he said, highlighting that frequent inspections and meetings will continue at Piraeus and other ports to ensure this priority is upheld.