Technological Readiness and Implementation Pathways for Electrifying Greek Coastal Ferry Operations: Insights from Norway’s Zero-Emission Ferry Transition

The decarbonization of short sea shipping is emerging as a critical priority for Mediterranean countries. This paper presents key findings from the ELECTRA-GR project, funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism (MIS 5202231), which aimed to evaluate the feasibility, technical readiness, and legislative requirements for the electrification of coastal ferry services in Greece. The study focused on two pilot routes—Salamis–Perama and Chios–Oinousses— representative of the high-frequency, short-distance ferry operations characteristic of the Greek archipelago. A comprehensive assessment was conducted combining technical fleet profiling, stakeholder consultations, legislative analysis, cost–benefit evaluations, and international benchmarking with Norway. For the base scenario of the high-traffic Salamis–Perama route, full electrification yields an annual reduction of approximately 900 tons of CO2 compared to diesel operation and achieves a Net Present Value (NPV) of €1.6 million over a 15-year period. In contrast, the Chios–Oinousses route, characterized by lower traffic volume, achieves a reduction of 85 tons of CO2 annually through hybrid conversion, but results in an NPV of €−1.69 million, underscoring the need for financial support mechanisms or targeted subsidies to ensure economic feasibility. The results indicate that electrification of short ferry routes in Greece is technically feasible and environmentally advantageous but faces significant challenges, including inadequate port infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and limited industrial readiness. The study proposes a structured roadmap toward electrification, emphasizing the modernization of shipyards, tailored policy instruments, and public–private cooperation. The findings contribute to the formulation of a scalable strategy for clean maritime transport in peripheral and island regions of Greece.