Greece investigates unfair competition in the ferry industry

The Hellenic Competition Commission (H.C.C.) has launched an investigation into potential anti-competitive practices within Greece's ferry industry, focusing on ticket prices and oligopolistic conditions. The investigation began on April 15, 2025, due to concerns about the industry's impact on the economy and social cohesion. The investigation will examine the dominance of two major companies, Attica Group and SeaJets, which control a significant portion of the ferry fleet. It will also scrutinize the subsidized "uneconomic" routes, whose budget has increased dramatically since 2001, and the practice of subsidizing high-speed ferries during peak summer travel. The H.C.C. aims to identify market distortions and propose measures to boost competition in the ferry sector, including the network's star-shaped structure centered on Piraeus port. The investigation will also assess the effectiveness of the ferry network in meeting the needs of the islands.