ferry operations — The recent audit report into the ferry operations between Cyprus and Greece has been challenged by deputy shipping minister Marina Hadjimanoli, who contends that it “did not provide the full picture” regarding the service’s contractual obligations.
- Manolis emphasised that the findings seemed to focus on the ferry’s overall capacity rather than the agreed provisions, which could lead to misconceptions about the service’s performance.
On Wednesday, Hadjimanoli responded to the findings of the Audit Office, which indicated that ferry operator Scandro Holding Ltd was running at an average capacity of 49 per cent from 2022 to 2025, despite receiving full payment through state subsidies. This report surfaced after numerous complaints about the unavailability of ferry tickets.
According to Hadjimanoli, the investigation did not consider the specifics of the contract, which she believes is crucial for a complete understanding of the service’s performance. “When the investigation began, we were asked to provide explanations regarding some questions they had,” she stated. “However, for their own reasons, the Audit Office chose not to take our data into account and proceeded with their findings, which is really strange to us.”
The audit revealed that while demand for tickets was high, with sales reaching full capacity as soon as they became available, the average number of passengers per route was about 173, nearly half of the ferry’s total capacity of 350. Hadjimanoli highlighted the inconsistency in these findings, noting that some months did see the ferry operate at 100 per cent occupancy.
Further defending the operations, the deputy minister pointed out that if approximately 8,000 passengers travelled last year, it contradicts the notion that the ferry was running empty. “Perhaps something in their calculations is not correct,” she added.
Charalambos Manolis, head of Scandro Holding Ltd, echoed Hadjimanoli’s sentiments. He argued that the Audit Office might not have factored in the variable demand throughout the year. He noted that the previous ferry, the Daleela, had three times the capacity required by the contract, which stipulated that at least 100 passengers must be transported per trip.
Manolis emphasised that the findings seemed to focus on the ferry’s overall capacity rather than the agreed provisions, which could lead to misconceptions about the service’s performance.
As the Daleela has been replaced by the Italian-flagged AF Marina, there are expectations for improvements in service. The AF Marina is set to launch its first route on May 29 and is designed to accommodate more passengers, with a total capacity of 394. This includes 10 double cabins, 20 single cabins, and 58 quadruple cabins, all outfitted with private bathrooms. The new ferry aims to offer enhanced amenities, including dedicated cabins for those travelling with pets.
Hadjimanoli looks forward to the AF Marina’s operation under the same contractor as the Daleela, expressing confidence that the new ferry will better meet the needs of travellers and address past complaints regarding ticket availability.
