Manos Konsolas Meets with Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias and Secretary General Giorgos Kyriazopoulos
Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas held a working meeting with the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, and the Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Giorgos Kyriazopoulos.
The meeting focused on the progress and completion of the four-year tenders concerning subsidized (public service) ferry routes. The tenders are expected to proceed following a ruling by the Council of State at the end of February.
The new international tender amounts to €668 million over the next four years, marking the largest allocation to date for ensuring reliable maritime connectivity for the islands. The four-year contracts provide stability and uninterrupted ferry services, while from 2027 onward there is provision for replacing older vessels with newer technology ships, with a corresponding adjustment of compensation.
Mr. Konsolas also submitted two additional proposals aimed at strengthening ferry connections and supporting the economic, tourism, and social development of smaller islands:
- A high-speed route linking islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
- Ferry connections between the four islands with international airports (Rhodes, Kos, Santorini, Mykonos) and smaller islands such as Astypalaia, Tilos, Anafi, Lipsi, Symi, and Nisyros.
The issue of maintaining affordable ferry ticket prices for the upcoming season was also raised.
Finally, the Minister agreed, following Mr. Konsolas’ proposal, to attend a forthcoming session of the Parliamentary Committee on Regions to discuss maritime transport issues in depth.
