The tender for the four-year barren lines in the ferry sector is in the final stretch

The tender for the four-year contracts for the barren coastal routes is now on track, following the decision of the Court of Auditors to allow the opening of the files, with the exception of file 38 concerning the Kasos-Crete route, for which an appeal to the Council of State by a shipping company is pending.

The CoE has not yet issued a decision on this case, but according to reports, this is expected in the near future. Sources at the Ministry of Shipping told APE-MPA that on April 20, in the presence of representatives of the shipping companies, the relevant files will be opened.

In cases where there is interest from more than one company, the requests will be examined in detail by a competent committee of the Ministry of Shipping.

Conversely, where there is no competition for the same line, the process will proceed immediately.

It is noted that in order to ensure uninterrupted service to the island regions and until the decision is finalized by the Council of State, the Ministry of Shipping will proceed with direct assignments of routes until mid-September, until there is a final court ruling on the Kasos-Crete line. Until then, however, this route is also covered.

It is noted that a new multi-annual planning redefines the framework of contracts for the barren routes, marking a clear shift from short-term management to a more stable and investor-friendly model of ferry services.

For the first time, the contracts cease to be annual and become four-year contracts, covering the period from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029.

This change enhances the predictability of the network, allowing both the State and the shipping companies to plan their routes, vessel allocation and investments with greater certainty.

At the same time, funding is increasing significantly, with a total budget of €668 million for the four-year period, compared to lower annual budgets in the past.

This aid is intended to cover the increased operating costs but also to maintain the connectivity of small and remote islands that depend almost exclusively on maritime transport.

A key element of the new framework is the provision for the inclusion of newbuildings during the duration of the contracts.

This possibility creates incentives for fleet renewal, with an emphasis on more efficient and environmentally friendly ships, meeting the modern requirements of European and international maritime policy.

Overall, the new model attempts to strike a balance between social cohesion and operational sustainability, ensuring the continued service to island regions, while at the same time creating conditions of greater stability for the shipping market.

It should also be noted that on 24 June the tender for the new line «Alexandroupoli - Sigri Lesvos - Mesta Chios», with a mandatory stop in Piraeus, for which a shipping company has appealed to the Council of State.

This project has been included in the Public Investment Development Programme, with a total public expenditure of €12.5 million. This line has a strong developmental impact, as it aims to strengthen the local economy of Evros, which was affected by the recent devastating fires.

It is planned to operate a weekly service for three years by a cargo ferry, with free transport of cargo from local businesses.

For this purpose, approximately 2,000 square metres per route are reserved, corresponding to up to 70 trucks, with the possibility of loading up to 12 hours before departure. The purpose of this project was to support and restructure the local economy after the devastation suffered by the 2023 fires, by reducing transport costs for local businesses.