The HCC, in plenary, assessed on July 13th , following the relevant Rapporteur’s Opinion and the Oral Hearing , on the conditions of competition and the effectiveness of the commitments undertaken by ATTICA under Decision No. 658/2018 (“Commitment Decision”) concerning the ferry routes to the islands of Chios and Mytilini, operated from ATTICA and in accordance with section B5 of the Commitment Decision.
It is reminded that the Commitments Decision of 2018 approved the merger concerning the acquisition of sole control by ATTICA of Hellenic Seaways, subject to commitments, in accordance with article 8 of Law 3959/2011, for the execution of ferry routes from the Attica region to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands, from the new entity. Furthermore with the no. 734/2021 Decision, the HCC, in Plenary, unanimously decided: the lifting of the commitment, not to increase routes in the relevant ferry markets of passengers, cars and trucks from Attica to the island of Ios and vice versa, the partial extension of the commitment for three (3) more years, i.e. from 27.04.2021 to 26.04.2024 regarding third-party competitors, the extension of the other commitments for three (3) more years, i.e. from 27.04.2021 to 26.04.2024, regarding the routes from Attica to the islands, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Koufonisia, Thira and Patmos and vice versa.
Based on this decision, after evaluating the effectiveness of the commitments and the current conditions of competition in the relevant ferry markets for passengers, vehicles and trucks to the islands of Chios and Mytilini, the HCC, in plenary, unanimously, adopted Decision No 822/2023 specifically as following:
- To extend as a whole for a period of three (3) years, i.e. until 26.4.2026 the obligation of ATTICA, not to increase routes and on the conditions of activation of a potential third Party – Competitor.
- To extend for a period of three (3) years, i.e. until 26.4.2026 the obligation of ATTICA, not to reduce routes and to operate at least 7 routes per week in the June-August period and at least 6 routes per week in the period September - May, not including the itineraries performed under Public Service Contracts.