The debts of the Ministry of Shipping to the coastal shipping companies which after securing tenders serve “barren” lines in return for subsidies exceeding 80 million euros.
The problem with subsidy compensation
The problem, according to players in the coastal shipping industry, is due to the fact that the money intended for the compensation of the coastal shipping companies is drawn from the “bucket” of the Public Investment Program (PDE) which is “drying up” due to repeated crises (pandemic, energy crisis, etc.) etc.), with the result that, as is typically said, the funds are allocated based on how “powerful” each ministry is and not the actual needs.
Read also: The necessity for a “green” shipbreaking yard in Greece
The inclusion of the funds for the barren lines in the PDE was announced by shipping minister Yiannis Plakiotakis on September 18, 2019, together with the expansion by 40 million euros of the annual subsidy, which now reached 130 million euros, compared to 90.7 million euro before. The barren lines are a development project and are now financed as such, the minister had emphasized, announcing their inclusion in the PDE. In addition, the barren lines of the country are financed as a recurring action for the following years, with guaranteed resources and with the necessary flexibility for uninterrupted financing, but also the possibility to cover additional or emergency needs that may arise.
However, in the end, this “model” seems not to be “working” in times of crisis, when needs multiply, as industry pundits believe.
As they explain, the financing of barren lines is an inelastic expenditure and serves both national and social reasons and should be treated as such.
The Attica Group
It should be noted that a significant part of these compensations (over 48 million euros) is owed to Attica Group. The country’s largest shipping group, in a relevant letter to Mr. Plakiotakis, strongly complains about the delay in the payment of compensations, while it speaks of discriminatory behavior as other companies receive compensations for “recently invoiced services”. Attica Group claims they have been “receiving” money owed since February 2021 for services provided in January 2021.
Delays in the payment of compensation seem to have also played a role in the fact that in the tender held on October 20 at the Ministry of Shipping for the service of “barren lines” for the new route period 1/11/2022-31/10/2023, no interest was shown in two very large and particularly “energy-intensive” (high fuel consumption) barren 99+\routes, those of Kasos-Karrpathos of Kasocarpathia and the North Aegean (from Piraeus to Kavala, via Samos, Chios, Mytilini).
The lines of the North Aegean are now served by the Attica Group, which will continue to operate them until the end of the tender and in any case until 28/02/2023. Mr. Plakiotakis had promised to upgrade the Kasos-Karpathos line with a class B ship, but which ultimately did not appear in the competition. For now, however, this particular line will be served again by the ferry “Prevelis” until the tender is completed and in any case until 28/2/2023.
New arrivals
In the meantime, according to the recent opinion of the Coastal Transport Council, a new high-speed ship (Santa Irini) is launched in the Aegean, specifically on the Heraklion-Santorini route in the summer season.
Also in the summer of 2023, a new route will be made by the fast ferry “Thunder” of Fast Ferries on the line Piraeus-Cyclades-Heraklion Crete three times a week. The interesting thing here is that “Thunder” will operate in addition to Minoan Lines’ high-speed ship “Santorini Palace”, as one will go leave Piraeus as the other will leave Heraklion and vice versa. Santorini Palace ran this route three times a week this year.
Latest News
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households
Greece Overhauls Property Valuation System
Greece plans to launch a revamped property value registry in 2025 and overhaul the way objective values are calculated to enhance tax revenue and improve transparency.
Greece’s New Tax Bill Foresees Tax Relief Beyond Big Business
Tax relief measures in Greece are proposed for freelancers, property owners and farmers, along with 'big business'
Unions Call Nationwide Industrial Strike for Wed.
Mass transits are usually affected, especially in the greater Athens-Piraeus area, although bus and metro services are curtailed but not fully halted
Yannis Vardinoyannis Assumes Post of Motor Oil Board President
He succeeds his father, Vardis, who passed away last week at the age of 91
PM Mitsotakis to Bloomberg: Our Majority Is Stable, Elections To Be Held in 2027
"The government has a solid 2.5-year mandate from the people to implement its policies," Mitsotakis stated