Greece to Launch Digital Crew Register ‘e-naftologio’ for Seamen

Greece is set to introduce a digital crew register aimed at improving services for seamen and streamlining their access to the job market, according to the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. This development follows the successful implementation of the digital ship register (e-niologio) earlier this summer, which has already led to the addition of 20 vessels to the Greek flag.

In a recent meeting at the Piraeus Marine Club, Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas announced that the digital crew register – referred to as “e-naftologio” – will greatly enhance efficiency for Greek seamen. The new system will enable faster processing for services such as retirement calculations and payments.

Currently, Greek seamen and the shipping companies that employ them face significant bureaucratic challenges before sailors can embark on their duties. Numerous documents must be gathered and processed, often leading to frustrating delays.

“As recently as a few years ago, it could take up to six or even 10 years to calculate a seaman’s retirement,” said Gkikas.

Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas.

The digital crew register aims to eliminate red tape and reduce the pressure on individuals who have spent decades working at sea. This new system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025 or early 2026 at the latest.

The Greek Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Digital Governance are collaborating on the development of the new e-register, which has already secured 1 million euros in funding.

Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Konstantinos Kiranakis, who also attended the meeting, emphasized the importance of engaging with all stakeholders during the system’s development. “A dialogue will be held with all involved parties to ensure the best possible outcomes for Greek seamen and public services, which are still burdened by extensive paperwork,” he said.

Konstantinos Tsagaropoulos, Secretary General for Social Security, added that the digital crew register will not only provide high-quality services for Greek seamen but will also make it easier for young people to enter the job market. “For the well-being of Greek seamen and the reliability of the Social Security system, digital services are essential,” he said.