The Greek Competition Commission has carried out unannounced on-site inspections at the premises of several undertakings operating within the coastal shipping industry. Executed on July 22 and 23, 2026, the raids targeted companies providing maritime transport services for passengers, personal vehicles, and commercial trucks. The raids form part of an ex officio investigation into potential breaches of Greek and European antitrust laws, specifically regarding anti-competitive horizontal agreements like price-fixing and market allocation, as well as the potential abuse of a dominant market position through predatory or exclusionary pricing practices.
Antitrust officials emphasized that unannounced inspections are an early-stage investigative tool designed to gather data directly from market participants. The execution of a search does not imply that the targeted companies are guilty of unlawful behavior, nor does it prejudge the ultimate findings of the investigation. Given that coastal shipping serves as a vital infrastructure link connecting mainland Greece to its islands, the sector remains a strategic priority for the nation’s broader economy.
The regulatory body noted that distortions in this market directly impact consumers through elevated travel costs and reduced service quality. Beyond the targeted enforcement actions, the authority is conducting a broader sectoral inquiry aimed at evaluating competitive dynamics across the entire maritime ecosystem. Findings from the interim report and ongoing public consultation highlight an urgent need to modernize the regulatory framework, port infrastructure, and local shipping fleets to strike a sustainable balance between corporate viability and the public interest.
Under domestic and European law, companies found guilty of cartel activity or market abuse face severe administrative fines, alongside potential criminal liability for individual executives and a three-year ban from participating in public tenders. To encourage self-reporting, the watchdog highlighted its active leniency program, which offers total or partial immunity from fines, relief from criminal prosecution, and exemption from public procurement bans for firms and individuals that step forward to disclose illegal collusive practices.