The Competition Commission has carried out surprise inspections at ferry companies as part of an investigation into possible cartel activity, including alleged market sharing and price-fixing practices.
In a statement, the watchdog said the inspections were conducted over the past two days as part of a probe into potential anti-competitive agreements between rival operators, as well as the possible abuse of a dominant market position through pricing and other commercial practices.
The authority stressed that the inspections do not imply wrongdoing by any company and do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
Describing coastal shipping as a sector of “strategic importance” to Greece, the Commission said its inquiry focuses on practices that could distort competition, leading to higher fares and lower-quality services for passengers.
The watchdog is also continuing a broader sectoral review of competition in the ferry industry. It said preliminary findings and a subsequent public consultation had highlighted the need to reassess the regulatory framework and modernize both the ferry fleet and port infrastructure to strengthen competition while safeguarding the sector’s economic viability.
