A new meeting is expected this week, with the participation of the co-responsible Ministries of Finance and Maritime Affairs, to examine ways to deal with the operating costs of ships, according to “N” sources.
What measures are being considered?
According to information gathered by “N”, the most prevalent measures that have been put on the table to contain the operating costs of coastal shipping vessels are three:
The first measure concerns the reduction of port fees by up to 50%, a measure that was also implemented last year.
The second measure concerns a state subsidy for mandatory discounts provided to specific social groups.
The third measure concerns the VAT reduction in vehicle tickets from 24% to 13%, so as to equalize it with the rate that applies to passengers.
However, the final decision may combine all three measures.
George Xiradakis, President of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, speaking to “N”, noted that the government could, in consultation with the refinery companies and for as long as the crisis lasts, examine a framework for the supply of cheaper fuels for coastal shipping.
He added that, even if the 50% reduction in port fees is repeated, the impact on both the cost of fuel and the final price of coastal shipping tickets will be limited.
Soaring prices
However, marine fuel prices have already started to rise, showing that the sector is under strong pressure.
Sources in the coastal shipping market told “N” that the purchase price of marine fuel Marine Gas Oil (MGO), which is the main fuel for coastal shipping ships due to its low sulfur content, closed at the end of last week at 1,000.48 euros per ton, marking a 56% increase since February 28, 2026, when the tension in the Middle East began.
Compared to February 1, this increase reaches 60%, while compared to the end of 2025 it reaches almost 80%.
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