In Greece, a meeting involving the Ministries of Finance and Maritime Affairs is set to convene this week to discuss potential support measures for coastal shipping amid rising operational costs. Sources suggest that the government is considering three primary measures to alleviate these costs for shipping companies.

The first proposed measure is a significant reduction of port fees, potentially by up to 50%, which was also applied successfully last year. This reduction aims to lower the financial burden on coastal shipping operators, ensuring their competitiveness and operational viability.

Secondly, the government is contemplating a state subsidy for specific social groups benefiting from mandatory discounts, aimed at making shipping more accessible. Lastly, a reduction in VAT on vehicle tickets from 24% to 13% is also being discussed, which would align the rates for vehicle and passenger travel. Ultimately, the government may choose to implement a combination of all these proposals to support the coastal shipping sector effectively.