The strike mobilization of Greek seafarers continues for the fourth day, causing serious consequences on the Patra – Igoumenitsa – Italy lines. The strike, called by PENEN and extended until June 19, has left Greek-flagged passenger ferries in port, while foreign-flag vessels are operating normally.

Patras: Superfasts grounded, only “Akka”

Four Greek-flagged passenger ferries of the ATTICA Group are not sailing from the port of Patras: the Superfast I, II, IV, and XI. Their crews are participating in the strike of PENEN, resulting in the cancellation of all departures to Italy.

However, the German-flagged passenger ferry “Akka”, which is chartered by ATTICA, is sailing normally. The ship serves the Patras – Ancona route and continues to operate despite the strike, as its crew is not affiliated to Greek seafarers’ organisations.

At the same time, the Ro-Ro type vessels operating in the transport of goods continue their routes without any problems, offering an alternative solution for the movement of cargo during the mobilisation.

The Ministry of Shipping said the state and the ministry are acting by duty and the law. “With the issuance of a court order declaring the strike illegal, the relevant port authorities have to ascertain which routes are not being operated and also why those who are not working are not complying with the court order.

The judicial authorities shall be notified of the above and ascertain the commission of possible offences. At the same time, the ministry has ratified the social partners’ agreement with a new collective agreement for seafarers on Adriatic ships, as agreed between them. However, this is an employer-employee dispute, and the possibilities for the ministry to intervene are specifically outlined in the law. The ministry cannot intervene in court, but must respect the decisions of the judiciary, which must be respected,” ministry sources said.

Igoumenitsa: “Kydon” in port, Italians in full operation

The Greek-flagged passenger ferry “Kydon” of Minoan Lines, which has already been taken out of the booking system and is not operating due to the strike, remains stuck in the port of Igoumenitsa.

On the contrary, three Italian-flagged ferries are continuing to operate as scheduled, serving the route to Italy. Today, the “Superfast III” (Italian flag) is expected to arrive in Igoumenitsa from Brindisi, continuing the operation of the line with crews not participating in the strike.

The strike of the Greek seafarers has created a peculiar regime of “monopolization of service” by foreign-flagged ships, as only these ships continue to operate normally on the Greece-Italy routes. This development raises questions about the resilience of Greek passenger shipping, especially in the summer season, when tourist and commercial demand is at its peak.

Passengers and transport companies are looking for alternatives, which often include traveling with foreign-flag vessels or transferring trips, creating additional financial and operational burdens.