Passenger Traffic at Greek Ports Drops 12.38%

The Greek coastal shipping sector saw over 250,000 less passengers travelling through the country’s ports in July and the first 15 days of August compared to the same period in 2014, according to data provided by the coast guard.

However, the drop in passenger traffic, which means less revenue for ferry operators, was offset by a significant reduction in fuel costs.

In July, passenger traffic fell by 12.38 percent compared with last year, with 4.6 percent less routes served.

Passengers travelling through the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio amounted to 1,468,727 against 1,676,416 during the same month last year.

Also, the transport of cars and trucks dropped by 18.09 percent and 15.26 percent, respectively.

According to the data, the overall picture in terms of passenger traffic in August varies based on destinations. For example, passenger figures rose to destinations in the Argosaronic Gulf, as many Greeks seemed to prefer short excursions to nearby islands than to travel to the more distant, which would have higher ticket costs.

During the first 15 days of August, passenger traffic to destinations is the Argosaronic rose 5.26 percent against the corresponding period last year.