Greek Government Eyes EU Funding to Improve Remote Island Ferry Connections

The Greek government is seeking European funding of up to 400 million euros to enhance coastal ferry connections, particularly on remote island lines, also referred to as “barren routes”. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s maritime network and improve access to less connected regions.

During a recent visit to Syros, Greece’s Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, outlined plans to improve ferry services on these routes. The proposed solution includes a 12-year contract through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for remote island lines, with shorter four-year contracts for other routes. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Greece’s coastal shipping infrastructure.

Speaking at a meeting with the Mayor of Syros-Ermoupolis, Alexis Athanasiou, and other local officials, Minister Stylianides highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Aegean’s maritime network. He also introduced the “Master Plan” for the Aegean, a significant project designed to optimize the region’s coastal shipping lines.

“We are assessing the current situation in the Aegean to ensure the efficient operation of coastal ferry services. It is essential to implement substantial changes now to achieve the best outcomes for the green transition,” said Minister Stylianides.

Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas, Syros-Ermoupolis Mayor Alexis Athanasiou, Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides. Photo source: Maritime Ministry

Addressing the challenges of insularity, Stylianides underlined the importance of providing sustainable solutions to foster economic activity and support local businesses. He stressed that the government’s actions would be decisive in enhancing entrepreneurship across the islands.

Additionally, Stefanos Gkikas, the Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, highlighted the role of the “transport equivalent”, a measure designed to make sea travel costs more comparable to land travel over the same distances. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that this tool is effectively used by those who truly need it.

Gkikas also announced that, following a public consultation process, the Ministry would soon draft a new law focusing on the transport equivalent to ensure greater accessibility and fairness in travel costs.

This funding initiative and the related legal measures are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving Greece’s maritime transport network, particularly for its islands.