New regulations for alternative fuel vehicles on Greek ferries

Due to the increasing use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy has issued new guidelines regarding their transport by ferry.

Below, you can find useful information on the new regulations for alternative fuel vehicles to ensure a comfortable and stress-free ferry trip with Ferryhopper.

Which alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are included in the new regulations?

According to the latest Circulation of the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy with Protocol Number 2070.0/28541/2024 dated 16/04/2024, the new regulations for the safe transport of vehicles using alternative fuels apply to the following categories:

• Pure electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles with accumulators (batteries)
• Vehicles using liquefied and compressed gaseous fuels such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG)

Tip: please note that to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, all ferry operators will increase boarding checks. If the aforementioned safety guidelines are not adhered to, ferry companies have the right to refuse boarding.

Traveling by ferry: restrictions for electric and hybrid vehicles

The charging level of the accumulators (batteries) in pure electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles must be up to 40% of their total capacity.

If the battery's charge level exceeds 40% of its total capacity, the vehicle is not allowed to board.

Regulations for gas-fueled vehicles

For vehicles using alternative fuels such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (CNG), the fuel tank is allowed to contain fuel up to 50% of its capacity.

Important: the new regulations apply to ferry travel within Greece as well as ferry connections between Greece and Italy operated by Greek ferry companies.

Vehicles' boarding check and embarkation on the ferry 

Useful information for the transport of vehicles with alternative fuels

Below you will find more useful information regarding the restrictions on the transport of vehicles using alternative fuels by ferry:

• The loading and transport of alternative fuel vehicles with a malfunction in their fueling system, tanks, or accumulators is not allowed.
• During the ferry trip, charging electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles is prohibited.
• Vehicles must be disconnected from any power source throughout the ferry trip.
• If the vehicle shows any warning indication, the crew should be informed immediately.
• Considering the new regulations for the allowable charge level (up to 40% for electric and 50% for hybrid vehicles), proper trip planning and fuel calculation are necessary to avoid problems during boarding.

To enhance the safety of passengers and crew as well as protect the environment, many Greek ferry companies have already adopted the new regulations for the safe transport of alternative fuel vehicles by ferry.