Kythira ferry connection: Meikopoulos's topical question in Parliament

The Parliament debated the topical question of the MP for Magnesia and Minister of Infrastructure & Transport, Shipping & Island Policy of SYRIZA-PS, Alexandros Meikopoulos, on the urgent need to upgrade the of the Kythera - Antikythera ferry connection. The Minister of State for Maritime Affairs was present for the reply, Stefanos Gikas, who nevertheless did not provide any substantial solution, leaving open the possibility that shipping shortages could continue indefinitely.

Blockade of Kythera - Antikythera

The MP of SYRIZA-PS highlighted the current tragic situation in the coastal connections of the islands, with their blockade from 2 February due to the sudden withdrawal of the vessel «Aqua Jewel», which was to remain in operation until 11 March. At the same time, the ship «Porphyrousa», which operates the line Neapolis - Kythera, is not expected to return to service before 10 March.

Initially, the Ministry had announced that the Piraeus - Kythera route would be served by the vessel «Kefalonia», however it has been shown not to have the necessary airworthiness certificate for a 2.5 meter swell, resulting in limited only to the line Neapolis - Kythera - Antikythera.

Inappropriate vessels and insufficient routes

Meikopoulos complained that the ships serving the Kythera route are of category C’, such as the «Aqua Jewel», which is demonstrably unable to cope with the weather conditions in the area. According to the MEP, the regular problems in the scheduling of ships have had a serious impact on the daily lives of residents, with the most notable example being shortage of medicines at Kythera Hospital for high-risk patients, as there was no way to transfer them from EOPYY.

«When the social reality demands it, you cannot invoke budgetary costs. You must include in the notice of the route Piraeus - Kythira minimum class B ferries, which can ensure that the reliability of the routes», said Meikopoulos.

The Deputy Minister's reply: «Green ships in 3 years»

For his part, Stefanos Gikas recognized the problem, but did not commit to any immediate solution. On the contrary, announced PPP for «green ships» in 3 years, while on the fate of Kythera and Antikythera after 21 February, which also stops the route of the «Kefalonia», contented himself with saying that «we are waiting to see» whether the ship can obtain the necessary certification.

This attitude of the Ministry causes legitimate concerns to the residents and professionals of Kythera, facing a permanent shipping blockade. The inability to plan and the lack of political will have turned the islands' ferry services into a «roulette» of waiting and uncertainty. As for the financial cost where the Deputy Minister invoked an increase from 90 to 150 million euros for the barren lines, it should be noted that this does not concern any of the lines of Kythera and Antikythera.