Multiple ferries remain docked at Rafina Port today (3 July 2026), following the start of a 24-hour strike by maritime unions. The action aims to highlight serious safety and operational concerns at the port — including inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and insufficient berthing capacity.
Strike Deemed Illegal, But Protest Continues
The Athens Single-Member First Instance Court ruled the strike illegal after granting an injunction requested by the Hellenic Union of Fast Ferry and Cruise Ship Owners (SEATAC). The court’s decision focused on procedural shortcomings in the strike notice — specifically, failure to meet the mandatory eight-day written notification period to employers and authorities, as well as lack of clarity regarding essential safety personnel.
Despite the ruling, union members and dockworkers have maintained their presence at Rafina Port since early this morning, physically blocking ferry departures — as previously announced. The 24-hour industrial action is scheduled to end at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, and a protest rally is set for 8:00 a.m. outside the Super Ferry terminal.
Safety Concerns at the Core
Maritime unions argue that the surge in ferry traffic has exceeded safe operating limits. They point out that Rafina Port currently offers only five berths, yet regularly handles up to eleven vessels per day — a situation they say poses significant risks to seafarers, passengers, and local residents.
Service Disruptions Across Operators
Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries have cancelled several scheduled routes. SEAJETS has rerouted all its Rafina-bound and departing services for Friday, 3 July, to Lavrio Port. From there, it will operate emergency sailings to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos — aiming to minimise disruption to passenger travel and inter-island connectivity.
Government Response
Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias, speaking on television yesterday (2 July 2026), stressed that maritime expansion must never compromise safety. He confirmed that the port’s certified capacity is five vessels simultaneously — far below current demand. According to the minister, the Port Authority strictly enforces existing mooring regulations and affirmed that ‘no concessions are being made on safety matters.’