Greece to Release Extra Covid-19 Aid for Coastal Shipping

Photo Source: GTP

Greece’s passenger shipping sector is set to receive extra funds to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis on Monday announced that the ministry had secured 12 million euros in funds to be channelled into Greek shipping companies active in coastal transport.

The minister underlined the crucial role of the sector in ensuring accessibility and adequate supply of goods as well as facilitating the movement of passengers between the mainland and the Greek islands.

In addition to previous support measures, the new round of passenger shipping aid brings the total released by the ministry to address the impact of Covid-19 to 67 million euros.

Other measures for seafarers and employees in shipping include special purpose compensation, the extension of insurance coverage for unemployed seafarers and additional unemployment benefits, inclusion of coastal shipping enterprises in the government’s employee insurance contribution subsidy scheme, the revision of requirements for unemployment benefit eligibility, and partial rent exemption for unemployed sailors.

In total, relief measures for employees in the maritime sector amount to 15 million euros, said the ministry.

“From the very beginning of the health crisis, the shipping ministry has proceeded with an integrated plan of support measures for both companies and employees,” said Plakiotakis, adding that the measures have ensured both the protection of work and the seamless communication between mainland Greece and the islands.