Everything you need to know about electric and hybrid cars when travelling with Greek ferries!
The demand for electric and hybrid cars in Greece has increased significantly in recent years. For this reason, and for the safety of passengers and vehicles, the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy has announced new regulations for all ferry lines.
Below is all the important information you should know as an alternative fuel car owner and should follow on your trip.
Prepare for your next trip with an electric or hybrid car!
Which cars are subject to the new regulations?
More specifically, Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) include:
•Pure electric and rechargeable hybrid cars with accumulators (batteries).
•Vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
What should drivers of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) know before planning a trip by ferry?
In order to ensure the safety of passengers and to avoid the risk of fire, AFV drivers planning to travel by boat should comply with the following guidelines.
More specifically, the guidelines for pure electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles state that:
•The charging level in these cars should not exceed 40% of their total capacity.
•When boarding, the temperature of the batteries will be checked during the embarkation.
Similarly, for cars using LPG or natural gas, the new regulations indicate that:
•Their tanks should contain fuel up to 50% of their total capacity.
It is extremely important that all all drivers of alternative fuel vehicles immediately inform the crew in case they receive any indication of alarm during their trip.
Learn everything regarding the new regulations for AFVs!
Which restrictions arise from the new regulations?
Under the new guidelines issued by the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy there are some strong prohibitions on the carriage of AFVs on ferries which all passenger-drivers should be aware of before boarding the ferry.
•It is not permitted to load AFVs with damaged power supply systems, tanks or batteries unless they have been removed.
•Charging of electric and rechargeable hybrid cars is not permitted during the voyage.
•Electric or rechargeable hybrid cars with a charging rate of more than 40% of their total capacity will not be accepted.
•Cars using LPG or natural gas fueled by more than 50% of their total capacity are not allowed to be taken on board.
From their side, drivers must confirm the proper functioning of their cars' systems before any journey. In the same way, ferry companies must carry out checks and refuse boarding to cars that do not comply with the above regulations.
Which shipping companies are implementing the new regulations?
The new circular concerning additional measures for the smooth transport of alternative fuel vehicles is universal and applies to all Greek ferry companies operating ferry services within Greece. In addition, Greek shipping companies operating between Greece and Italy are also complying with the new regulations.
Read the regulatios for the boarding of hybrid and electric cars!
Already on domestic routes Blue Star Ferries, Seajets have adopted the new measures. Likewise Superfast Ferries, which operates a ferry connection between Greece and Italy.
Now that you have all the necessary information about travelling by ferry with alternative fuel vehicles, you can start dreaming of new island destinations and getaways. Find all the possible options you have for short and long excursions to the Greek islands and book your ferry tickets from Let's Ferry.