From May 1, 2025, ferry ticket prices in Greece will rise by 12 to 15 percent. This was announced by the Passenger Shipping Association (SEEN). The main reason for the increase is new European Union regulations that require the use of low-sulfur fuels. According to SEEN President Dionysis Theodoratos, these fuels are up to 40 percent more expensive than conventional alternatives.
Popular routes to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and the northern Aegean islands are particularly affected. Ferries travelling between Greece and Italy are also subject to a CO₂ tax, which could lead to further price increases. The association is therefore calling for government measures to curb costs for passengers, including subsidies for fuel or subsidies for employers' social security contributions, similar to those in Italy.
The Greek ferry industry has invested over a billion euros in new ships over the past ten years to modernize operations. However, uncertainty about future fuel solutions remains high. In addition to low-sulfur fuels, alternatives such as methanol and biofuels are also being discussed. SEEN warns that rising operating costs could not only affect travelers in the long term, but also the competitiveness of ferry companies.
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