The decisive contribution of the measures taken by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy to address the consequences of the pandemic in the field of shipping, stressed the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Giannis Plakiotakis speaking in Parliament.

Specifically, Mr. Plakiotakis underlined that these measures contributed decisively to the reduction of the pandemic, as:

- Protected the health of the islanders as much as possible.
- Ensured the uninterrupted shipping connection of the islands with mainland Greece, and.
- Supported shipping, seafarers and more generally businesses and workers in the sector, in order to mitigate the negative effects of the health crisis on both income and economic activity.

In particular for coastal shipping, Mr. Plakiotakis underlined that 15 million Euros were allocated to ensure the communication of the islands with mainland Greece, while for the Greek sailors that important support measures were taken such as:

- Providing emergency financial assistance, as compensation for special purpose, to seafarers whose shipping contracts have been suspended.
- The extension of the insurance capacity of unemployed marine insured persons in the Maritime House.
- The revision of terms and conditions for the registration of unemployed seafarers in the lists offered for shipping.
- The exemption of payment of 40% of the rent to seafarers - recipients of special purpose compensation.