Disturbance has been caused to residents and institutions of the Greek islands by the postponement of the public tender of the Ministry of Shipping for the 73 subsidised inefficient ferry lines, for a period of four years (1/11/2025 - 31/10/2029).
The tender, which was launched at the beginning of October with the aim of launching a new, more stable operating framework for these lines, postponed until 30 December 2025, following an objection by a shipping company against certain terms of the notice.
New delay and concern on the islands
The evolution causes deep concern in island regions dependent on subsidised connections, as a further delay could lead to empty months of sailing.
The one and a half month postponement leaves open the possibility of further extensions if there are further legal entanglements or appeals.
The Kythera, the Antikythera, the Lemnos, the Saint Eustratios and the Folegandros is among the islands that, according to sources in the shipping industry, are at risk of being left uncovered during the winter period if there is no immediate solution.
The new framework of four-year contracts
This notice was presented as a important step towards modernisation the system of subsidies for thin routes.
For the first time companies will take over the operation of ships for a period of four years, instead of the annual cycle that has been in place until now, which allows for better planning, stability of payments and the possibility of integration of newly built ships during the term of the contracts.
The total amount available for subsidies will be amounts to EUR 668 million for the four-year period - i.e. EUR 167 million per year, an increase of around EUR 20 million compared to the previous scheme (EUR 148 million).
Political dimensions and history
The Ministry of Shipping and personally the Minister Vasilis Kikilias had placed particular emphasis on the new framework, referring to «a reform that will ensure uninterrupted ferry connections for small islands» and for a modern maritime transport model for the benefit of passengers.
However, this is not the first time that this process has faced obstacles.
In 2024, when the Minister of Shipping was Christos Stylianides, two companies had appealed to the Single Public Procurement Authority (PPA) against the terms of the notice at the time. The HADISY had allowed the appeals, the Ministry had lodged an appeal with the Council of State, which eventually annulled the Authority's decision - but the result was to postponing the tender from October 2024 to March 2025.
During that time, many islands found themselves without a regular ferry connection, with Kythera and Antikythera, which experienced one of the most difficult winters in recent years, being the most notable examples.
What's next
Although the Ministry is optimistic that the tender will take place as planned on 30 December, the local stakeholders are calling for safeguards for the continuity of services and the stable coverage of the lean lines.
The experience of previous years has shown that any delay or legal entanglement translates into real difficulties for residents, patients and professionals which depend on these ships for transport and supply to the islands.
WHATEVER HAPPENS, WE DO NOT WANT THE AQUA JEWEL BACK. IT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO SERVICE OUR ISLAND. FIND A SHIP THAT CAN COPE WITH OUR WEATHER!