Navigation: Optimistic messages for passenger traffic this year

Positive are the messages for her in this year, as the first estimates of the acrotopals refer to a 5% increase in passengers compared to 2019 – a year when there were no restrictive measures for the coronavirus pandemic. Tourist agents estimate that passenger traffic will peak during Easter this year, which is Sunday, May 5, and in view of the summer season the terminals of the ferry companies already accept reservations and issue tickets at higher rates than last year. ELSTAT reports that in 2019 a total of 19 million passengers were transported to the country’s main ports while another 16 million were transported between ferries. According to estimates of the special edition of INSETE, domestic passenger traffic on board the ferry (not included, Adriatic) increased in 2023 by 6.7%, compared to 2022, while the estimate for passenger numbers amounted to 18,7 million, compared to 17,5 million in 2022. Data available to the APM-APM indicate that only from the country’s largest port in Piraeus, in 2023 a total of 16,158,000 passengers were moved, compared to 14,976,000 in 2022 and 11,846,000 in 2021 an increase of 8%. and 35% respectively. With regard to the prices of the ferry tickets these remain for most destinations at the same levels as last year, while the ferry link has requested the maintenance of VAT 13% on passengers and its extension to the J.E. cars from 1/1/2025. This year it is expected for the first time to operate on the initiative of the Secretary-General of the Port Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, an observation of prices for shipping in 20 main island destinations, including routes of ships in island and barren lines. The introduction of the slot model (time slots) in port operation is also considered. The slots, which are quite widespread in air transport, ensure the routes at specific dates and hours. The Minister of Shipping recently speaking to reporters about passenger safety in coastal transport in view of the summer season and positive messages for high performance in tourism, assured the port body that all necessary controls will be carried out. He said that “the issue of safety is a permanent challenge for sea and coastal countries”. Initiatives for ‘green’ transition At the same time, a number of initiatives are under way by the Maritime Ministry to provide financial instruments at EU level for the ‘green’ migration of coastal shipping. The following period is expected to be signed between the Ministry of Shipping and the Strategic Importance Facility (PPF) of TAIPED, the contract concerning the announcement of an international tender for the recruitment of a consultant who will design a special fund for the ‘greening’ of the coastline. The consultant chosen by the relevant procedure should, through this study, identify the financial needs, the technology proposed and the characteristics of the existing fleet. It should also include a cost-benefit study and deliver an operational plan for the financial forecasting tool. This fund that is not excluded from operating as a portfolio fund and as an intermediary has the Greek investment bank. At EU level, the ministry continues to negotiate and in the first phase 80 million of the NSRF has been secured. There are also discussions about private capital participation, and European funds can be used for the barren lines. Negotiations will be lasting for the next few years, and other financial instruments will be used in this context. It is noted that, at the end of May early June, Attica group with the Elefsina shipyards is expected to sign the first contract for the construction of a newly built ferry ship after 17 years. The ship will reportedly be 100 meters and have dual-fuel engines. Source: RES-AE