February 12, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Ferry prices will rise by 15% in 2025. The main reason is "Green agenda"


WITH May 1 prices for ferry tickets are expected to increase to 15%. 50%–45% Of the vessel's operating expenses are fuel costs. Price increases will begin from the beginning of May at prices that have already been “inflated” since last year.

“Since May 2025 a new European Union regulation comes into force, according to which ships traveling in the Mediterranean must change the type of fuel, that is, switch from the current type to one that has a lower sulfur content,” – stated in an interview EΡΤNews Dionysos TheodorasPresident of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies.

The new type of fuel will be 35-40% more expensive, which will lead to a significant increase in vessel operating costs. “Part of this increase will be transferred to the ferry ticket. Fuel costs are 50%-45% from the vessel's operating expenses. WITH 2009 and to this day we are seeing huge changes in operating costs, be it fuel costs, increases in salaries or rising prices for spare parts and repairs of ships,” he explained, clarifying that the regulation applies to large ferries that ply the Cyclades Islands, Crete, Dodecanese and North Aegean Sea.

Environmental fees and differences

Mr. Theodoras noted that “there are two regulations. One concerns carbon dioxide, where every ton of fuel a ship consumes emits three tons of carbon dioxide. The other is about sulfur reduction.”

He explained that lines linking Crete and the Adriatic are already subject to an environmental carbon levy, while lines with a population of less 200,000 people are temporarily exempt from this fee. “For Crete lines, where both charges apply, the increase will be approx. 12-15%“, he added.

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6 routes with the highest increases in ferry ticket prices

According to the study Vivanodasix routes with the greatest growth (average price per person per trip on 100 km) were as follows:

  • Paros – Syros: 101%
  • Leros – Lipsi: 73%
  • Sifnos – Folegrandros: 68%
  • Mykonos – Koufonisia: 58%
  • Naxos – Koufonisia: 29%
  • Patmos – Pythagorean: 27%

Proposals to combat price increases

President SEEN (Σύνδεσμος Επιχειρήσεων Επιβατηγού Ναυτιλίας) presented proposals to reduce costs:

  • subsidizing the difference in fuel costs: “It is necessary to cover the difference in the cost of new fuel compared to old so that ferry companies can purchase new fuel at the price of old”;
  • increase in transport equivalent: “Part of the fare should be returned to the islanders”;
  • subsidizing employer contributions: “As is done in Italy, it is necessary to subsidize the employer contributions of ferry companies.”

Economic challenges and the need for solutions

Mr. Theodoras emphasized that the increase in operating costs is due to European policies, and not to the actions of companies. “WITH 2009 so far we have seen huge changes in operating costs, be it fuel costs, salaries or spare parts,” he said, noting that Greek shipowners have invested more than 1 billion euros to new ships over the past decade.

In conclusion, he emphasized the need for government support and European cooperation to ensure the sustainability of the ferry service: “We have the best fleets. We have to figure out what new fuel will be used. The cost of fuel in the next era has not yet been determined. Many companies order ships and choose alternative options, perhaps methanol. Other companies have different opinions. In the field of biofuels, the fuel that will become dominant in the coming years has not yet been found. The transition to green energy is expensive, but solutions need to be found so as not to unduly burden passengers and businesses.”

PS Considering the fact that the United States withdrew from “Paris Agreement”there is a possibility that Greece, like many other countries EUwill be suspended “Green agenda”which during the economic crisis sharply increased prices for hydrocarbons.



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