The leadership of the Greek Union of Merchant Navy Seamen (PNO), announced the continuation of its 24-hour strike, which was to end early Wednesday morning. The new 24-hour strike is scheduled to conclude at 6:00am on Thursday, June 19.

According to PNO, the decision to escalate industrial action stems from what the union described as the intransigence and unwillingness of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies to address the full scope of demands that prompted the strike in the first place.

In support of the decision, a mass strike assembly was held at the entrance of the port of Patras, in central Greece, where union members unanimously voted to intensify their action with an additional 24-hour strike specifically targeting passenger and vehicle ferries operating the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Italy route.

The union confirmed that safety personnel provisions would be respected in accordance with maritime strike regulations.

Sources within the Ministry of Shipping indicated that in Patras, Greek-flagged passenger and vehicle ferries are currently not operating due to the strike, affecting four vessels.

However, a German-flagged ferry, along with RO-RO cargo vessels not participating in the strike, continues to operate normally.

Similarly, in Igoumenitsa, seamen are also participating in the strike, leaving one Greek-flagged ferry out of service. The company in question had proactively canceled routes and suspended its booking system.

Nonetheless, three Italian-flagged ferries are maintaining their scheduled operations, with one vessel departing Igoumenitsa for Brindisi, Italy, today. The same sources emphasized that both the government and the Ministry are acting in full compliance with their legal obligations.