Greek government to provide €60 million support to ferry operators

Greek ferry support €60 million Marine Gas Oil price rise social discount compensation 2026 implementation

The Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy is monitoring the sharp rise in Marine Gas Oil (MGO) prices, which have significantly increased operating costs for ferry companies. Ticket prices have not been raised so far. To offset part of the cost pressure, the ministry relies on existing fuel‑hedging contracts and high summer ship occupancy.

A new €60 million liquidity package will be made available to the ferry sector. The funding will be delivered through a compensation mechanism that reimburses operators for mandatory social discounts on tickets. The mechanism will pay out in stages – an advance followed by a final settlement after verification of the actual discounted tickets issued. It will be applied for the first time in 2026 and will cover revenue losses from fare reductions for children up to five, low‑income passengers, large families, students, disabled persons, war pensioners and their companions.

The plan aims to prevent fare hikes and to sustain the ferry industry while fuel prices remain under close watch.

Entities: Greek ferry companies · Greek ferry operators · Greek ferry passengers (social discount beneficiaries) · Greek government · Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy (Greece)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 10 SOURCES] The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy is monitoring fuel prices and has prepared alternative interventions that could be activated if pressure persists. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] Ticket prices for ferry services have not been increased despite higher fuel costs. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] Existing fuel‑hedging contracts and high summer ship occupancy help offset part of the increased operating costs. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] The mechanism will reimburse operators based on the actual discounted tickets issued, with payments in stages (advance then final after verification). (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] The support will be delivered through a new compensation mechanism for mandatory social discounts on ferry tickets. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] Marine Gas Oil (MGO) prices have risen sharply, increasing operating costs for Greek ferry companies. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] The Greek state will provide €60 million in liquidity support to ferry operators. (existing)
[● 10 SOURCES] The measure will cover revenue losses from fare reductions for children up to five, low‑income passengers, large families, students, disabled persons, war pensioners, and their companions. (existing)