Ferry operators to enjoy state assistance

The ministries of Shipping and Finance are negotiating with the European Commission for the inclusion of coastal shipping enterprises in the economic support program so as to safeguard the sustainability of corporations that are expected to suffer a 290-million-euro blow.

Furthermore, on the initiative of Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis, the activity code numbers (KAD) of corporations that transport passengers and cargoes by sea have been included in the Finance Ministry's list of firms supported by the state. This will allow the employees of any of those companies to have their labor contracts suspended, to receive the 800-euro per month handout and to be relieved of tax and social security obligations until the end of the measures' application.

To assist the sustainability of coastal shipping services, the Shipping Ministry has also decided to extend the...