Attica Enterprises<.> has responded as part of an increasingly heated rivalry between Greece`s shipping giants accused of nurturing oligopolistic tendencies in the market.
In a statement the company said it appeared that Minoan Lines had indicated earlier this month that it did not intend on promoting the liberalisation of the sector. Attica said that, if this was the case, then Minoan should clearly state what it was planning.
Attica said it had welcomed Minoan`s decision on April 13 to register 34 vessels with the Passenger Ferries Union (EEEP) in the belief that the latter did so in the spirit of free commercial use and trade.
Attica said that the residents of and visitors to the Greek islands, along with Greek seamen, transport companies, travel agents and the nation as a whole, should know what plans a large company like Minoan has in mind for the future of shipping and the improvement of transport by sea.
Meanwhile, in a move likely to stir up already rough waters, several shipping companies are reportedly considering the establishment of a new federation. Attica Enterprises, Strintzis Lines, ANEK and NEL are looking into the proposal following an announcement that the EEEP and the Shipowners Union were planning to join forces.