Greece invests in modern and environmentally friendly Ferries
300 million euros in EU funding for new Ferries and retrofitting with environmentally friendly technologies
The country is thus launching a comprehensive modernization of its ferry fleet. Greece is receiving 300 million euros from the EU Modernization Fund for this purpose. The aim is to make at least 70 Ferries and passenger ships from around 30 shipping companies more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
The Greek Minister for Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, explained that the program includes both the construction of new Ferries and the energy retrofitting of existing ships – all in line with the European Green Deal.
New low-emission Ferries from Greek shipyards
More than half of the funding is earmarked for the construction of modern Ferries with environmentally friendly drive technology. The new ships are to be equipped with dual-fuel engines and modern environmental technology. They will be built entirely in Greek shipyards, which will also strengthen the local industry.
View of the Adriatic Sea from a Ferry between Italy and Greece.
Retrofitting existing Ferries with efficient technology
In addition to the new building, existing Ferries are also being modernized – including with:
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Waste heat recovery,
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LED lighting,
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new energy management systems,
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and the replacement of main engines with lower-emission variants.
Sustainable ferry trips for locals and tourists
Day cruisers and tourist ferry connections will also benefit from the funding. The aim is to make sea travel in Greece more climate-friendly and attractive – for holidaymakers and locals alike.
EU funding and goal: shifting traffic from road to water
In addition to the modernization fund, the project is supported by the social climate fund and the decarbonization fund for islands. In total, this could result in investments of up to one billion euros – a strong signal for the future of Ferries in Greece.
