The operation of the Cyprus – Greece in 2027, while a decision on whether subsidies for the service will continue from 2028 onward will be made in 2027, Kyriakos Aliouris, Deputy Director of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, told CNA.
Speaking to CNA on Saturday, Mr. Aliouris noted that the current contract, which began in 2022 and was for a term of three years with the option to extend for another three, has been extended until 2027, adding that “until next summer, the contractor is obligated to provide services in accordance with the terms of the contract.”
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“So at this point, there is no issue. Next year, the route will operate as normal—that is, the Greece-Cyprus maritime connection,” he said.
Regarding the continuation of the subsidy starting in 2028, Mr. Aliouris noted that the Deputy Ministry of Shipping has gathered, over the five years the route has been in operation, statistics and data that will be evaluated before a decision is made.
“We have gathered a significant amount of statistical data and information, which will obviously help us—as the Deputy Ministry and as the Government—to evaluate the situation and make a decision with seriousness and responsibility,” he said.
As he noted, a new proposal must be submitted to the Cabinet regarding whether the subsidy will continue and, if so, a new tender must be announced to select a contractor.
“So at this point, it is both premature and risky to say anything—whether it will stop or continue. No decision has been made,” he noted.
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When asked to clarify when the relevant decision is expected to be made, Mr. Aliouris said that this should take place by 2027, once this year’s operating season for the route is complete and all available data has been evaluated.
“Certainly, once this year’s season comes to a successful close, we will sit down internally to review all the data and then decide to move forward with our recommendation to the Council of Ministers,” he said.
Furthermore, he described the project’s progress as positive, noting that “so far, this year is going very well” and that “the public has embraced the line.”
When asked about statements made to KYPE by the CEO of the contractor, Scandro Holding Ltd, Charalambos Manolis, who stated that without a renewal of the state subsidy the route cannot continue, Mr. Aliouris said that the issues he raised are known to the Deputy Ministry.
As he explained, the state subsidy was approved from the outset because there was no data available on demand for this specific service, since for years there had been no maritime connection between Cyprus and Greece.
“There was absolutely no data on what was happening. We didn’t know if or how much people would use it,” he said, adding that for this reason, lower criteria were initially set in the contract.
“However, it seems that people have embraced this route,” he said, while also noting the social and humanitarian aspects of the service, since, as he explained, it serves, among others, people with a fear of flying or health issues, as well as passengers who wish to travel to Greece with their pet or their car.
Regarding the possibility of operating the route without a government subsidy, Mr. Aliouris said that the data collected over the past five years now provide a clearer picture of demand, while a private operator taking over the service would need to explore ways to ensure the route’s year-round viability.
At the same time, he noted that passenger traffic is increasing every year—in terms of both passengers and vehicles and pets—and estimated that “this year is better than the last five.”
If the Deputy Ministry determines that continued state support is necessary and proceeds with a new tender, Mr. Aliouris said that the conditions prevailing at that time will be taken into account, including fuel prices and the situation in the region.
“Certainly, if we decide to announce a new tender, everything will be factored into the equation to determine the amount of the subsidy,” he noted.
Mr. Aliouris also assured that there is no question of suspending service during the current or next season, as the existing contract covers the period through 2027.
“People shouldn’t worry. This year will end as scheduled, with the last voyage taking place on September 1 from the port of Piraeus. And the service is guaranteed through 2027, as the contractor is obligated, under the existing contract, to continue providing the service,” he said.
Regarding the continuation of the service from 2028 onward, Mr. Aliouris reiterated that no decision has yet been made. As he noted, the Deputy Ministry will evaluate the available data after the completion of this year’s season and will submit its recommendation to the Council of Ministers by 2027.
