Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas is proposing a cap on charges for transporting goods and raw materials to remote and hard-to-reach islands on state-subsidised ferry services, with the additional cost potentially covered by Greece’s Public Investment Programme.
In a parliamentary intervention addressed to the ministers responsible for National Economy and Finance and Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Konsolas warns that rising energy costs in ferry shipping could lead to higher freight charges, placing further pressure on island businesses.
He notes that islands without daily ferry connections already face higher procurement costs because of limited transport links. Any additional increase in freight charges, he argues, would further undermine the competitiveness of businesses on smaller islands.
The proposal specifically concerns goods and raw materials carried on ferry routes subsidised by the state under public service contracts.
According to the MP’s press release, approximately €670 million has been secured for four-year public service contracts supporting ferry connections to remote and hard-to-reach islands.
Konsolas is calling for a freight cap to be considered within this framework, proposing that the additional financial cost be met through the Public Investment Programme managed by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance.
