The aid amounts to EUR 0.16 per litre of marine fuel bought between 1 September and 31 December 2026. It covers both companies on commercial lines and those serving subsidised public service lines. The measure was drawn up with the industry's representatives as a joint initiative of the shipping ministry and the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. It will be granted under the EU's METSAF state aid framework and needs approval from the European Commission.

"Coastal shipping is vital for our islands and for islanders' travel. The increased cost of fuel puts significant pressure on ferry companies," Kikilias said.

The new aid comes on top of up to EUR 60 million in compensation for mandatory ticket discounts, introduced for the first time this year, taking the two measures to up to EUR 92 million. The Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) welcomed the measure. Industry estimates put the extra fuel bill for coastal shipping in 2026 at more than EUR 300 million, Oikonomikos Taxydromos reports, which means the new aid covers less than 11% of it.

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