The public consultation on the HCC’s Interim Report pertaining to the strategically important sector of coastal shipping, in the context of its relevant sector inquiry, was completed yesterday, November 6th 2025. The aim of this sector inquiry is to understand market functionning, identify challenges, and strengthen competition to the benefit of citizens, businesses and the economy. The teleconference/public consultation, which brought together State representatives, representatives of businesses operating in the specific sector as well as users of coastal shipping services and academics, highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the issue and provides a concrete example of the HCC's outreach.
A common ground amongst all the speakers was that the provision of coastal shipping services is crucial for our country, as it ensures island connectivity, supports tourism, regional development and social cohesion, and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment.
The main topics of discussion focused on the need for a systematic approach to coastal shipping and its connection with port infrastructure and the wider transport system, the strong seasonality and varying price elasticity of the service provided, depending on the consumer groups and transport needs it serves, the degree of market concentration, the importance of fleet age, any barriers to entry for new providers and the importance of financing coastal shipping, the operation of the free routing system and public service contracts, the operation of the Coastal Transport Council (CTC), the importance of regulatory streamlining, technological modernisation and data utilisation for the proper design of the coastal shipping network.
The HCC extends the initial deadline for submitting comments on the Interim Report until December 1, 2025.
The full text of the Interim Report is available here (in Greek). A synopsis of the Report’s key Findings, Issues and Recommendations is available here (in English).
The entire discussion, which was livestreamed through the HCC’s website, is available here as well as on YouTube here (in Greek).
More information on the HCC’s Sector Inquiry into Coastal Shipping available at https://www.epant.gr/en/information/sector-inquiries/coastal-shipping.html