SEAJETS has relocated its scheduled ferry services to and from Rafina to the port of Lavrio for Friday, July 3, in response to a 24-hour strike called by three maritime labor unions.
The company announced that routes to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos will now operate from Lavrio instead, in an effort to minimize disruption to passenger travel and maintain connectivity between the islands.
Specifically, the TERA JET 2 will depart at 09:50 from Lavrio bound for Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Paros, before returning to the same port. The CHAMPION JET 3 will set sail at 11:00 for Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos. Meanwhile, the SUPERRUNNER JET will dock and depart at 14:20 from Lavrio instead of Rafina, according to its approved schedule.
Passengers have already been informed of the changes, while further information is available through the company’s customer service department and local travel agencies.
The operational shift comes after a single-member court in Piraeus ruled the 24-hour strike illegal on Thursday afternoon, accepting a request for interim measures filed by the Association of High-Speed and Cruise Ship Owners (SETAK).
Maritime unions, however, have insisted the strike will proceed as planned, arguing that conditions at Rafina port have exceeded safe operational limits and that existing infrastructure cannot handle the increased volume of vessels.
The strike, set to run from 6:01 a.m. Friday until 6:00 a.m. Saturday, involves the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers, and the Panhellenic Union of Lower Engine Room Crews of the Merchant Marine “O Stephenson.” A rally is also scheduled for 8:00 a.m. outside the Superferry.
The unions argue that Rafina port has only five berths but is forced to accommodate up to eleven vessels daily, a situation they say creates serious risks for seafarers, passengers, and local residents.
Maritime Affairs Minister Vasilis Kikilias said the strengthening of competition in coastal shipping cannot come at the expense of safety. He noted that Rafina port can safely handle up to five ships at a time, while scheduling requests far exceed that capacity, adding that the port authority is strictly enforcing current berthing regulations.
At the same time, Fast Ferries announced the cancellation of routes between Rafina and Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos. Golden Star Ferries also issued similar cancellations due to crew participation in the strike action.
