Vasilis Kikilias, in an interview with SKAI 100.3, emphasized his responsibility as Minister of Shipping to ensure that passengers are served safely at ports. Within this context, he stated that he requested the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard to reinforce the Port of Piraeus with 50 additional Coast Guard officers—which was carried out—and also to return 20 Coast Guard personnel to the Port of Rafina who had been reassigned to office positions in Piraeus services.
“The mission of the Ministry and the Coast Guard is to serve our fellow citizens, to support and assist them, and to ensure safety at the port. Ships must arrive and depart in an orderly manner. And operationally, we will serve our country with honor, from the smallest island at the edge of the Aegean to the southeastern Mediterranean basin, standing beside the people, as we should. The Coast Guard is honorable and fights on our 18,500 nautical miles of maritime borders.
Of course, if any wrongdoing occurs, the justice system will handle it. But I believe that, in the fight against modern smugglers—of drugs, weapons, migrants, etc.—our Coast Guard officers are fighting an incredible, fierce battle, and I will support them completely and without reservation in every effort,” he stated.
Regarding the obligation of ferry companies—based on EU directives—to begin using more expensive “green” fuels starting May 1st, which could increase ticket prices, Mr. Kikilias estimated that the government’s intervention to reduce port fees by 50% will likely result in Greek ferry companies not raising ticket prices, as they had initially announced and as is expected in the rest of Europe.
Specifically for high-speed vessels, “which already use green fuel and will not require any change, the discussions I’ve had so far show that there will be generous support for the Greek public,” the Minister noted. He also added that during the Easter holiday period, ferry companies have offered discounts ranging from 20% to 30%, with even greater reductions (up to 50%) for students, island residents, and workers.
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