- A 24-hour nationwide maritime strike has been declared for Thursday, March 5, 2026.
- The strike affects all categories of vessels across Greece.
- Action begins at 00:01 on Thursday and ends at midnight.
- The strike was called by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO).
- The union says hundreds of sailors remain trapped in the Middle East due to escalating tensions.
Greek Maritime Union Calls Emergency Strike
Greek maritime transport is set to pause for a full day after the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) announced a 24-hour nationwide strike covering all categories of ships.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the union’s executive committee, following what the federation described as serious and dangerous developments in the Middle East.
According to the union, the immediate goal of the strike is to push for urgent measures to protect Greek sailors currently stranded in the region.
The protest action will begin at 00:01 in the early hours of Thursday, March 5, and will continue until 24:00 the same day.
Hundreds of Sailors Reportedly Stranded
In its announcement, the federation warned that the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly unstable, leaving hundreds of Greek and foreign sailors effectively trapped in the wider region.
The union described the circumstances facing crews as “particularly serious and dangerous,” urging authorities to take immediate steps to ensure their safety and facilitate their return.
The strike is intended to draw attention to the issue and pressure decision-makers to act quickly.
What This Means for Travelers
Because the strike applies to all categories of ships nationwide, ferry routes across Greece may experience temporary disruptions on Thursday.
For travelers, especially those moving between islands or planning ferry connections, the safest approach is to:
- Check schedules with ferry companies in advance
- Monitor announcements from port authorities
- Expect possible delays or cancellations during the 24-hour strike
Operations are expected to resume normally after midnight on Thursday night, once the strike concludes.
