Greece’s Cruise Ship Owners Union Prepares for Restart

The Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Agencies (EEKFN) is preparing for the restart of the cruise season in Greece in collaboration with Greek tourism bodies and destinations.

“Ahead of the 2021 cruise season, EEKFN is in talks with all the relevant bodies authorized to welcome ships at Greek destinations, in efforts to ensure normality during all stages of the procedure for ships and passengers,” the union said in an announcement.

EEKFN is currently holding video conferences with local authorities, port administration bodies and local financial organizations aiming to ensure the implementation of safety measures and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The union’s representatives have already contacted local authorities on Santorini, Mykonos and in Katakolon in the Peloponnese.

“Our communication has been productive while local authorities have already began preparing to receive cruise ships and passengers,” the union said.

Other measures related to the operation of ports include:

– entry/exit checks for passengers of Non-Schengen countries
– security measures that foresee the implementation of the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) code
– procedures for receiving solid and liquid waste and residues, reception facilities etc.