Athens, Greece. Greek shipping companies are reporting significant financial strain following the implementation of the European Emissions Trading System, with costs being passed on to passengers through higher ticket prices. The impact is being felt most on high-demand routes, including Piraeus-Crete services and Adriatic Sea connections.
Cost pressures on ferry routes
Greek business outlet Newmoney reported that surcharges linked to the European Emissions Trading System are most acute on routes with high demand, such as the Piraeus to Crete line and Adriatic Sea connections.
Industry and community concerns
Developments in the sector have raised concern among ferry operators and island communities that rely entirely on sea transport.
Interferry calls for suspension of expansion
Interferry, the international body representing the ferry industry, has raised the issue at a European level and wrote to relevant European Union bodies requesting an immediate suspension of further expansion of the carbon trading scheme into the shipping sector.
Claims of burden and competition distortion
Interferry said the current regulatory framework represents an excessive burden and creates a serious distortion of competition.
Estimated costs and investment impact
Data cited by the industry group indicates the system imposes an annual cost of about one billion euros on intra-EU shipping services, limiting investment in cleaner technologies and increasing transport costs for passengers and goods in countries with extensive island networks such as Greece.
Unequal application across transport modes
Interferry cited unequal application of green measures, saying short-sea shipping is fully integrated into the emissions system while road transport remains excluded following a specific decision by the Council of the European Union.
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