The government’s efforts to curb ferry ticket price increases ahead of the summer season are expected to be extremely difficult—if not outright impossible. Due to the European Union’s green transition policies, ferry operators anticipate a surge in operational costs of up to 35%, a portion of which will inevitably be passed on to passengers.

What’s Driving the Price Increases?

1. Fuel Costs
   Starting May 1, 2025, ticket prices for conventional ferries are expected to rise by up to 15%. The reason? A new EU directive that designates the entire Mediterranean as a SECA (Sulfur Emission Control Area), requiring the use of fuel with just 0.001% sulfur content—significantly more expensive than what is currently used. High-speed ferries have already been using this fuel for years.
2. The EU’s “Fit for 55” Climate Package
   As part of the European Commission’s 2023 “Fit for 55” initiative, several maritime-related regulations were revised. The gradual inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) by 2026, along with compliance challenges from the FuelEU Maritime Initiative, is expected to push ferry operational costs even higher. The Crete and Adriatic ferry routes will be directly impacted by the new carbon emissions trading system.
3. Rising Wages
   Ticket prices are also set to reflect a 2% increase due to a newly signed collective bargaining agreement that provides a 5% wage hike for seafarers.
4. Maintenance Costs on the Rise
   The cost of ship repairs and maintenance has surged due to global increases in shipbuilding material prices.

Shipping Companies Demand Fuel Subsidies

Greek ferry operators have proposed a fuel subsidy plan to the government. Their request? The state should cover the price difference between the current fuel used by conventional ferries and the more expensive marine gas oil (MGO) with 0.001% sulfur content, which will become mandatory from May 1, 2025.

Dionysis Theodoratos, President of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, explained:

“Right now, the cost of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) is 100 euros per ton, while MGO costs 130 euros. We propose that the government subsidizes the 30-euro difference directly to fuel suppliers so that we, in turn, can purchase MGO at the same price as VLSFO—preventing ticket price hikes. Let the subsidy go to the fuel companies, not the ferry operators. This should be handled by the Ministries of Finance, Energy, and Shipping.”

He added:

“I don’t see any other immediate solution. This is the clearest option. Ticket prices cannot skyrocket—if they do, nobody will board the ferries. I must also point out that, according to a recent study by the Hellenic Statistical Authority, ferry transport has not contributed to inflation.”

Can the Green Fund Step In?

In response, the government is exploring the use of Green Fund resources—under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment and Energy—to offset the cost of new fuels. However, financial analysts warn that this solution would require European Commission approval and, even then, the available funds (between €20-30 million) are considered insufficient to support the ferry sector and keep ticket prices stable.

Minister Kikilias: Keeping Ticket Prices in Check is a Priority

Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, has placed the issue at the top of his agenda, stating:

“Our ministry’s first mission is to work alongside the private sector, ferry operators, and the Greek government—which has already made commitments through its spokesperson—to achieve the best possible outcome in keeping ferry ticket prices affordable.”

“Everyone must take a step back and support this effort. Our islands are a strategic advantage, offering Greece geopolitical depth—we need to ensure that as many people as possible can travel to them. On lifeline routes and remote islands, keeping fares accessible is even more crucial.”