Docked ships, queues of thousands of passengers and hundreds of vehicles compose the scene of distress at Piraeus port since morning, where a ferry departure ban has been imposed for today. Specifically, the ferry departure ban remains in effect until 01:00 Saturday, already enforced at the major ports of Attica – specifically at Piraeus port, Rafina and Lavrio – due to severe weather and the further strengthening of northern winds.
However, it’s worth noting that the ferry ban is not generalized, as it appears in practice. In continuous communication with port authorities, shipping companies evaluate each route separately, taking into account local weather conditions. Where winds permit, certain ships depart normally, bypassing the general ban.
Shortly after 7 AM, the Central Port Authority of Piraeus informed passengers that the ban is in effect at least until 1 PM for all routes, excluding those to the Saronic Gulf islands, due to gale-force winds in the Aegean reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale. The National Meteorological Service issued a new gale-force winds warning, highlighting that strong gusts are expected in the Southeast Aegean, South Euboean Gulf, Northeast Aegean, and West Cretan Sea. Today, Friday, the winds are hitting with particular intensity areas such as Eastern Central Greece, South Evia, the Cyclades and locally South Crete, with gusts reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour. The severe weather has caused significant changes to coastal ferry routes, forcing authorities to take strict measures for passenger safety.
Ferry ban: Scenes of major distress at Piraeus port
For today, 25 routes were scheduled from Piraeus port that would transport more than 26 thousand passengers. Only the routes from Gate E8 to the Saronic Gulf islands are operating normally. Similar situation in Rafina where the 13 scheduled routes were cancelled due to the ban, while only ships heading to Marmari are departing.
Since dawn, thousands of passengers remain trapped at the port. Many are also day-trippers from nearby provincial towns who traveled by road to Piraeus port to journey to the Aegean islands, but ultimately became stranded in Athens, without a clear picture of if, and when, they will be able to depart. Similar distress is faced by dozens of foreign tourists who had already made reservations at island accommodations, but were not informed in time about the ferry ban, resulting in their inability to modify their vacation plans.
“There is no information whatsoever”
Many speak of delayed information from companies about the ferry ban as well as from the Central Port Authority of Piraeus. Indicatively, as described by the ERTNews journalist, people with suitcases in hand were seeking information, emphasizing that the notification should have already been made. “I’ve been here since 5 AM” said a passenger waiting patiently to board the ship at noon heading to Paros. “We’re suffering. We’ll see if we leave today. We hope to depart at 13:00”. Regarding whether there was information from Port Authorities, he mentioned that there is no information whatsoever.
Ferry ban at ports until 01:00 Saturday
The ferry ban has been imposed at Piraeus port, causing great distress to passengers who had planned trips today, Friday 8/8. Despite the fact that ships to the Saronic Gulf continue their routes normally, 9 Beaufort scale winds in the Aegean have led to a ferry ban for most ships.
Beyond Piraeus, the ban is also in effect at Rafina port for the Cyclades, at Lavrio port for Kythnos, as well as on the Agia Marina-Nea Styra ferry line. Many travelers arrived without notification at Piraeus port and found themselves facing long queues and cancellations, as no ship is expected to depart until 1 PM.
Passengers are advised to contact ferry companies and local port authorities proactively to stay informed about developments and avoid additional distress.
Weather: Today the most difficult day with gale-force winds and high fire risk
The National Meteorological Service predicts that winds in the Aegean will strengthen significantly, reaching 8 and locally 9 on the Beaufort scale, with Friday emerging as the most critical day. Wind intensity is expected to remain at high levels until Sunday, causing serious problems for navigation and increased risk of fires.
On Saturday winds will continue to blow strongly, at 7 to 8 Beaufort, while on Sunday they will show slight weakening, reaching locally 7 Beaufort.
Meanwhile, temperatures will rise gradually, mainly in Western Greece, where the thermometer this weekend is expected to reach 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, with possible local values up to 40. In eastern areas, the meltemi wind will limit the temperature rise, keeping it around 35 to 37 degrees.
See the crowding images at Piraeus port due to the ferry ban:
Blue Star Ferries: Route modifications
Blue Star Ferries announced that due to the departure ban, the company’s ship routes on Friday, August 8, will be as follows:
HIGHSPEED 3
HIGHSPEED 4
The route from Heraklion 13:00, to Santorini, Ios, Naxos, Mykonos, Piraeus will remain unexecuted.
HELLENIC HIGHSPEED
The route from Piraeus 13:00, to Paros, Naxos, Koufonissi, Katapola, Naxos, Paros, Piraeus will remain unexecuted.
BLUE STAR NAXOS
The route from Piraeus 13:00, to Paros, Naxos, Donousa, Aigiali, Astypalaia and return will remain unexecuted.
BLUE STAR PAROS
The ship’s route Friday 08/08/2025 from Piraeus 13:00, to Syros, Tinos, Mykonos and return, will not take place.
BLUE STAR DELOS
The ship will depart from Piraeus at 16:00 (instead of 13:00), to Paros 21:00-21:35, Naxos 22:25-23:00, Paros 23:45-00:15, arrival at
