Unscheduled inspections of ships increased by 51% this year, following an order from the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, to further intensify inspections ahead of the summer season.
According to the relevant press release, as of May 21, 2026, 515 unscheduled inspections had been carried out, compared to 341 during the same period in 2025. A significant increase is also noted in the number of sailing bans, which rose to 50 this year from just 4 last year, with the percentage standing at 9.7% compared to 1.2%.
There has also been an increase in routine inspections, which reached 414 from 397 during the corresponding period last year, marking a 4.3% rise.
The inspections concern, among other things, ship safety, fire safety, lifesaving equipment, maintenance and proper operation of equipment and machinery, crew training and familiarization with emergency response procedures, as well as compliance with established rules for the safe transport of passengers and vehicles.
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, stated that “unannounced inspections of coastal shipping, tourist vessels, and all types of vessels have increased by 51% since last year. And this is because, first and foremost, we are concerned with the safety of everyone at sea. We are being very careful. We follow the rules; we adhere to safety regulations. We make no compromises on safety issues.”
For his part, the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Christos Kontorouhas, stated:“Safety, as the Minister also mentioned, is our top priority. Not only in coastal shipping and on tourist ships, but the safety of swimmers, the safety of our tourists, the safety of our seafarers, and every person who needs our help at sea.
For the Coast Guard, this is and will remain our top priority, and this is where we are focusing all our efforts, both at the Ministry level and in all Port Authorities across the country.”