New delay for Dedeağaç–Midilli–Sakız–Piraeus cargo ferry tender sparks concern in Greece
The launch of the long-anticipated commercial ferry route connecting Dedeağaç with Midilli, Sakız, and Piraeus has been postponed once again, marking the third delay in the tender process and raising concerns over regional development plans in Greece’s Meriç region.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy has now set a new date of June 24, 2026 for the international tender, which will determine the operator of the subsidized freight ferry service.
The project aims to establish a dedicated cargo shipping line linking northern Greece with the Aegean islands and the mainland port of Piraeus, with the goal of reducing transportation costs for businesses based in the Evros region.
Under the scheme, companies registered in the regional unit of Meriç would benefit from free maritime transport of goods for an initial period of three years. Authorities have described the project as a key measure to enhance the competitiveness of local exports and improve supply chain efficiency.
Repeated delays and regulatory changes
The initiative was first announced in October 2024, with subsequent revisions to technical specifications and tender conditions delaying progress. In late 2025, the Ministry introduced stricter vessel requirements, including increased cargo capacity and safety standards for transporting hazardous materials.
The revised specifications require a roll-on/roll-off vessel with at least 5,000 square meters of cargo space and a minimum length of 120 meters—effectively doubling the originally planned transport capacity.
Officials had previously indicated that the service would begin in early 2026 under a €12.5 million subsidy scheme funded through the Ministry’s development program.
However, the process has now been postponed for the third time following legal challenges. According to the latest decision, two companies have filed appeals and requests for suspension before the Council of State (Council of State), contributing to further delays.
Strategic importance for Meriç
The ferry line is considered a strategic infrastructure project for northern Greece, designed to reduce logistics costs for businesses in Meriç and strengthen trade links with Athens markets.
If successfully implemented, authorities have suggested the route could eventually operate on a permanent commercial basis without subsidies, depending on its economic viability.
Despite political commitments and repeated announcements, the project has yet to move into operational phase, with delays now affecting the original timeline by more than six months.
