Shipping Ministry

The Shipping Ministry has announced that a new international tender is to be held on 73 unprofitable ferry routes starting February 29.

The servicing of unprofitable routes ensures that islands retain a regular ferry service all-year round.

A group of 111 migrants who were stranded on a rocky shore near Cape Maleas in the Peloponnese have been transferred to temporary accommodation in Neapoli Voion, Laconia, with the assistance of coast guard, police and the local municipality.

The migrants reached the shore on Sunday, after disembarking from a sailing vessel which later sank.

Authorities in the port city of Kalamata have made nine arrests following the sinking of a fishing boat southwest of the Peloponnese that killed at least 78 migrants, a Shipping Ministry source has said.

All those arrested, who are said to be from Egypt, will face charges of forming a criminal organization and illegal migrant trafficking.

At least 78 bodies have been found by rescuers conducting search-and-rescue operations on Wednesday following the capsizing of a fishing vessel off the town of Pylos in the Peloponnese. There are fears that the death toll may still yet increase further. 104 people on board have been rescued, with information suggesting that the people on board may have exceeded 400.

The Shipping Ministry has recently entered into three contracts with Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas. These contracts involve the acquisition of a total of 31 patrol boats, including 21 conventional boats and 10 inflatable boats, along with three high-speed boats for the Port Authority. The total value of these contracts amounts to 14,372,700 euros.

Greek authorities on Tuesday announced the dismantling of a criminal organization active in the illegal entry of migrants from Turkey to the Greek island of Kos and facilitating their exit from the country. 

The Panhellenic Union of Tug and Lifeguard Crews has announced on Friday two further 48-hour strikes to follow the strike on February 8-9 called by the umbrella union of Greek Seamen, PNO. Specifically, the Tug and Lifeguard Crews union will participate in the 48-hour strike called by PNO, and will then go on strike from Friday, February 10.

The Shipping Ministry is expected to review the protocol governing passenger ferries after June 15 in cooperation with National Public Health Organization (EODY) and shipping companies, given that the reinstitution of air transport from 29 countries on that day, as well as the initiatives announced for boosting domestic tourism, are expected to lead to greater demand for services.

Greece's Association of Diving Centers issued a statement on Friday calling for clarity as to when the country's clubs will be allowed to reopen amid the continued easing of restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, warning that they face financial ruin if the protracted closure does not end soon.

Ferry passengers planning to travel to and from the Greek islands and other domestic ports on a journey of more than 30 minutes, as well as those traveling between Greece and Italy, will be obliged to fill out a health questionnaire prior to boarding.