Legal Challenge Halts Tender for 75 Subsidized Ferry Routes in Greece
Corfu, February 2, 2026 – The tender for 75 subsidized ferry routes in Greece, which includes crucial connections for the Diapontia Islands and other Ionian islands, has encountered a significant setback following a legal challenge from a shipping company. The case is now set to be heard by the Supreme Administrative Court (Council of State) on February 24, 2026.
The Ministry of Shipping had set January 30, 2026, as the deadline for submitting bids. While bids were accepted, they remain unopened pending the Supreme Court’s decision. This ruling is deemed critical for the implementation of contracts and the uninterrupted ferry services to isolated islands.
The Tender for 75 Subsidized Routes
Initially decided in August 2025, the tender for the subsidized routes was finally announced in December 2025 after several postponements. The total estimated cost of this international tender for the barren lines amounts to 668 million euros over a four-year period. The average annual funding has increased from 148 million to 167 million euros, aiming to better cover the actual operating needs of the ferry network.
This new framework encompasses 75 subsidized maritime routes, which are vital for island cohesion. It aims to ensure stable itineraries, social discounts, and provisions that support the daily lives of residents, local economies, and tourism. The final cost varies per route and contractor, depending on the category and age of the vessels. Newer vessels entail higher lease costs, and from 2027, there is a provision for replacing older ships with newer technology, with a corresponding adjustment. Each route constitutes a separate contract, and contractors are selected based on the lowest lease, without alternative offers.
Shipping Companies Association Requests Postponement
The Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) has formally requested, via a letter to the Ministry of Shipping, that the tender process for public service routes be postponed until after February 24, 2026. This request cites both the pending case before the Supreme Administrative Court and the anticipation of the relevant court decision.
According to the letter, conducting the tender before the Supreme Court’s decision would compel many ferry companies to commit substantial guarantee letters for vessel maintenance obligations, inspections, and the issuance or renewal of safety certificates in anticipation of the summer period.
Ionian Islands Connection Included
The tender includes the route connecting Corfu – Paxos – Lefkada – Meganisi – Pisaetos Ithaca – Sami Kefalonia – Zakynthos and return. The leased section covers Paxos – Lefkada – Meganisi – Pisaetos Ithaca – Sami Kefalonia – Zakynthos and return, with three itineraries per week from April 13, 2026, to October 11, 2026 (a total of twenty-six weeks).
Vessel specifications for this route require a minimum passenger capacity of 170 (summer) and an overall length of 29 meters. Subsidy amounts range from €8,296.80 to €17,473.06 depending on the category.
The Diapontia Islands Route
The Corfu – Diapontia Islands route (Erikoussa – Mathraki – Othonoi, Avlaki Port) and return is also part of the tender. This route will operate three itineraries per week throughout the scheduled period, with an additional three itineraries from May 25, 2026, to September 6, 2026 (a total of fifteen weeks). Residents of Erikoussa, Mathraki, and Othonoi will benefit from free transportation to and from Corfu.
Vessel requirements for this route include a minimum capacity of 50 passengers in winter and 120 in summer, with a vehicle loading area of 150 square meters. Subsidy amounts for this route range from €6,808.50 to €27,370.17.
Special Route for Bulky Cargo
A separate route for bulky and dangerous cargo between Corfu and the Diapontia Islands (Erikoussa – Mathraki – Othonoi, Avlaki Port) is also included. This route will operate once a month throughout the scheduled period. The required vessel is an open-type cargo/passenger ship capable of transporting dangerous goods, with a minimum loading area of 300 square meters and an overall length of 55 meters. Subsidies for this route are set at €2,692.80 to €11,220.00.
Source: kerkyrasimera.gr
