The Hellenic Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Agencies Union (EΕΚΦΝ) suggests a series of measures to avoid overcrowding from cruise operations.
Assessing the data and this year’s cruise activity, the Union takes actions concerning the examination of issues related to the movement of ships at destinations within the State, as well as the measures that must be taken for the movement of millions of passengers – tourists in a way that does not create congestion at arrivals, and at various stages of movement at each destination’s points of interest.
Immediate Priorities
Outlined below are the issues that are prioritized for examination by the competent bodies of the Central Administration, especially by the National Cruise Coordination Committee:
- The creation of a national plan – strategy for the development of cruising.
- The faithful implementation of the cruise ship berth allocation system, with criteria to be defined by the competent local authorities.
- Cooperation with representatives of management companies to develop additional points of interest at key cruise destinations.
- The gradual increase of port fees should be announced to users at least one year before implementation.
- Improvement of infrastructure where required, with a focus on preserving the character and sustainable development of the destination.
The measures for the protection of the atmospheric environment, which are a top priority for the cruise industry, and there is support in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by using environmentally friendly new fuels. In this context, there is also a pursuit to install port electric power supply systems for ships, aiming to protect residents living around these areas from the emissions caused by the operation of the engines.
Protecting passengers – tourists from the high temperatures created by the climate crisis, by constructing suitably air-conditioned waiting rooms at the ports.
Devising ways to control the arrival of ships at busy ports to avoid congestion and discomfort of passengers – tourists at various stages of their movement to the points of interest of the wider area of each destination.
Benefits of Greek Cruise Destinations
Regarding the significance of the sector and the benefits for the local community of the 60+ cruise destinations in Greece, and the National Economy, the Union highlights the following:
- Direct spending by visitors during their local market visits.
- Support of commerce through supplies of materials, foods, mainly Greek products, fuels, etc., as well as repairs, maintenance, ship renovations, etc. Increased benefits from the development of homeporting (services, airports, hotels).
- Increase in foreign currency reserves in our country.
- Port fees, passenger fees, as well as those for the implementation of the requirements set by the International SOLAS Convention for security (ISPS Code).
- Expenses for the reception of solid and liquid waste and residues.
- Transportation costs.
- Personnel expenses of tourist offices.
- Significant benefits from the employment of the workforce in the ship repair bases of Piraeus and other units in the wider area, and further afield, such as in Chalkida and Syros, which the sector offers with the necessary repair and maintenance works of ships. At this point, it is emphasized that due attention and interest of the competent authorities should be given to the development of these units.
The cruise movement in terms of ship approaches to Greek ports for this period is estimated to reach 5,500 ships with the number of passengers – tourists exceeding 6 million.
Finally, it is emphasized that, for the smooth operation of the sector at every phase of actions, the Union and its Members seek cooperation with the port administration and management authorities, as well as with the competent factors of the Central Administration.