Greek Cruise Ship Owners Present Proposals to Enhance Passenger Experience in Greece

Estimating that Greece will have welcomed 5,500 cruise ships carrying a total of 6 million tourists by the end of 2024, the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members (EEKFN) has submitted a series of proposals to the Greek government aimed at enhancing the sector’s safety and ensuring smooth operations.

According to the union, the objective is to provide the best possible experience for passengers while preventing overcrowding in the most popular areas.

Specifically, EEKFN is prioritizing the following actions:

– Development of a national strategy: Establishing a comprehensive national plan for the growth of Greece’s cruise sector.
– Strict berth allocation systems: Enforcing cruise ship berth allocation systems based on criteria set by local authorities at each destination.
– Enhanced collaboration with cruise operators: Partnering with cruise management companies to develop additional points of interest at key cruise ports.
– Gradual port fee increases: Implementing gradual port fee increases with at least one year’s advance notice to cruise operators.
– Infrastructure improvements: Upgrading necessary port infrastructure while preserving the local character and sustainability of each destination.
– Environmental protection measures: Implementing urgent environmental measures, including the adoption of alternative, green fuels. Greek ports should also invest in electrical supply infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and protect residents and workers in port areas.
– Climate adaptation for passengers: Protecting passengers from extreme temperatures due to climate change by developing fully air-conditioned port facilities and passenger waiting areas.
– Streamlined passenger procedures: Simplifying passenger check procedures at high-traffic ports to minimize inconvenience and delays during arrivals, departures, and transfers at ports of call.

Importance of the cruise sector

The Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members highlights that the cruise sector plays a significant role in Greece, benefiting over 60 cruise ship destinations across the country and contributing substantially to the national economy.

According to the union, the sector generates numerous direct and indirect benefits for local communities. These include the direct spending of tourists in local markets and the support of commercial activities through the supply of materials, foodstuffs — primarily Greek products — fuel, and other essentials. Additionally, cruise operations contribute through the maintenance, repair, and updating of ships.

The increase in home porting activities also boosts related services, such as airports and hotels, enhancing Greece’s foreign currency reserves. Ports and passengers contribute through various fees, alongside costs associated with international safety and security regulations under the SOLAS treaty and the ISPS Code. There are also significant expenditures for the disposal of solid and liquid waste, land transportation, and spending by employees of tourism companies.

Moreover, the cruise sector offers considerable benefits to workers in shipyards around Piraeus and other locations like Halkida and Syros, where maintenance and repair services for ships are in high demand. To maximize these benefits, the Greek government is encouraged to implement measures that support the growth of these industrial units.

In its announcement, the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members (EEKFN) emphasized its readiness to collaborate with both local port authorities and central government agencies, aiming to jointly secure the best possible future for Greece’s cruise sector.