The Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce is calling for an immediate plan to replace the freight capacity affected by the BLUE CARRIER 2 incident. In a statement issued on 28 September, it asks the ferry operator and Greece’s Ministry of Shipping to explain how upcoming sailings and deliveries to Rhodes, Kos and the other islands will be covered.
Chamber president Giannis Pappou says the first priority is that everyone who was aboard the vessel is safe. According to the figures he provided, the BLUE CARRIER 2 was carrying 166 trucks and 29 passenger vehicles, with some of the cargo consisting of essential goods. He says the temporary loss of that capacity has already unsettled transport companies.
The Chamber wants priority given to food, perishable products, medicines and other everyday necessities. It also calls for measures to prevent marine pollution and for prompt documentation of damage to cargo and vehicles, so the financial impact on businesses and hauliers can be assessed.
Pappou says the immediate need is a clear plan to keep the islands supplied over the coming days.
