With emphasis on the safety and smooth service of passengers in view of the Easter departure, the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias visited the port of Piraeus and specifically Gate E7, accompanied by the leadership of the Coast Guard – Greek Coast Guard.
The Minister, addressing the travellers, wished “Happy Easter and Happy Resurrection to all Greeks”, while expressing the hope “that they will have a wonderful Easter on our islands”.
He made special reference to the presence of the Coast Guard officers in all the ports of the country, stressing that “the men and women of the Coast Guard are everywhere for the safety and service of citizens, so that they can travel in order and return safely.”
He appealed to the travelling public to be responsible and cooperate with the authorities. “By listening to the instructions of the Coast Guard and showing caution, we will be able to serve the whole world with professionalism,” Mr. Kikilias noted, adding that “in these difficult days, with international developments creating challenges, we all need to show more responsibility, patience and respect for our fellow man.”
The Shipping Minister acknowledged the increased pressure faced by citizens, noting that “Greeks need to travel and spend the holy days with their families”, while describing the family as “a sacred value for Greek society”.
“We ought to support people so that they can travel and spend these days as best as possible,”
Mr. Kikilias, accompanied by the Chief of the Coast Guard Christos Kontoruchas, visited the vessel “Blue Star Delos”, talking to passengers and crew as well as other passenger ferries in the country’s largest port.
It is noted that the presence of the civil and military leadership of the coast guard at the country’s largest port is part of measures to enhance operational readiness, aiming at the safe and smooth conduct of the increased Easter passenger traffic.
Increased passenger traffic
The passenger traffic since this morning at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio is increased, while the port authority is taking all necessary measures for the smooth exit of Easter holidaymakers.
According to preliminary data from the Coast Guard, a total of 15 itineraries are expected to be made from the port of Piraeus and the area of Tzelepis, with the estimated number of passenger departures amounting to 12.349.At the same time, in the Argosaronic Sea, 30 routes will be performed today, of which 15 with conventional passenger ferries and 15 with high-speed vessels, covering the demand for nearby island destinations.
The passenger traffic from Rafina is also significant, with 10 sailings to the Cyclades and 4,449 passengers departing. Similarly, from the port of Lavrio there will be 7 routes, with 1,642 passengers departing for their destinations.
