Greek passenger shipping companies have suffered from the higher fuel costs, a development which will be reflected in the gross and operating cost margin, an independent researcher said in a note published Oct 10.
However, higher revenue growth, as 2005 and 2006 were good tourist years, will lend assistance and the overall 9-month earnings performance will be pleasant.
“The gradual deregulation of the transport fees along with the renewal of the fleet and the new itinerary routes” were also cited by Hellastat- the researcher.
Still, the sector faces problems like the full transport fee market deregulation and the inter-connection of the remote Greek islands beyond the peak tourist season.
Infrastructure projects like the port capacity and services upgrade were noted.
Last year, the Maritime Ministry and the European Investment Bank signed a 25-year Protocol worth EUR3 billion which aims at local port upgrade.