There is much interest by shipping companies from Cyprus, Greece and other European countries for the planned Cyprus-Greece ferry. Already, 20 operators obtained tender documents for the contractor's selection tender, which expires on January 29. Updating "Entrepreneurial Limassol", Shipping Deputy Minister Vasilis Dimitriadis, said the successful operation will have been chosen until mid-April, while the routes are scheduled to start at the end of May–early June.
The Cypriot Deputy Minister has already invited his Greek counterpart Giannis Plakiotakis, to take first voyage of the new route together. The service will be operated by passenger ferry (Ro-Pax) between the ports of Limassol or Larnaca and Piraeus (Keratsini terminal), with a stop based on the contractor's choice (probably Crete or Rhodes). Sailings during May - September will be weekly. They will be once a fortnight in April and October and once a month between November and March.
Fares
The fare, after the inclusion of the port charges determined after consultation with the port of Piraeus, will amount to €65 for a one-way trip and €109 for return trips. If the passenger chooses to travel in a cabin the cost will be € for a one-way trip and €149 for a return trip. For the transportation of passenger vehicles, the maximum fare - without the port charges, which are to be fixed at a later date – the fee will be €75 for one-way and €150 for round trips. The corresponding fees for motorcycles will be €50 and €100. Children under the age of two will travel free of charge and reduced fares will apply for children 2-12 years old.
The value of the tender amounts to €15 million for 36 months, with a maximum state subsidy of €5 million per year. The choice of carrier will consider the price, duration of the voyage, age and specifications of the ship and catering infrastructure. The ship should meet specific safety requirements and should have accommodation infrastructure for people with disabilities as well as the possibility of transporting pets.
Limassol vs Larnaca
The opening of the tenders will also reveal the intentions of the candidates about the Cyprus port from which the route will start, although the Deputy Minister of Shipping estimates that Limassol has the lead, as the duration of the trip to Piraeus and, by extension, the economic cost of the trip, from Limassol will be less. In addition, Limassol port already has a modern passenger terminal.
