Significant increases in mooring fees at Mandraki Marina in Rhodes were approved by the Municipal Port Fund of Southern Dodecanese.
Specifically, the decision provides for price increases that exceed 100% in several categories of vessels, with the aim, according to the relevant study, of sustainable operation and securing resources for upgrading the marina over the next 15 years.
For example, for vessels up to 10 meters, the daily fee increases from 4.10 euros to 8.43 euros plus VAT. For larger vessels, e.g. approximately 30 meters, the cost increases from 17.60 euros to 66.22 euros per day, plus VAT. At the same time, annual mooring contracts are also being adjusted, with a 30% discount on the daily price.
A total of 175 boats can be moored in the marina, a number divided into 83 berths for boats up to 13 meters, 69 berths for boats between 13.01 and 17 meters, 13 berths for boats 17.01 to 20 meters and 10 berths for boats 20.01 to 30 meters.
The decision is based on a cost study, which foresees investments totaling 2 million euros for the maintenance and upgrading of the facilities: From asphalt paving and the installation of new floating jetties, to the replacement of water and electricity networks, improvements to lighting, fire safety systems and the infrastructure of the port basin.
The plan states that several of the interventions are considered mandatory based on the specifications of the Ministry of Tourism.
Of particular interest is that the recent tariffs of the Agios Nikolaos marina in Crete were used as a reference point for the formation of the new prices, as it was considered to be of comparable size and profile to the tourist port of Rhodes. This comparison formed the basis for calculating the new charging policy, in combination with market data and operating costs.
Based on the study’s forecasts, the marina’s revenues are expected to increase gradually, with an annual adjustment of 2%, while the administration claims that the changes are necessary to ensure the operation and competitiveness of the port in an environment where the private role in marina management is strengthened and competition from other Mediterranean destinations is increasing.
It is noted that the Mandraki marina is a strategic point for maritime tourism in the Aegean, with occupancy rates that are traditionally higher during the summer months, but also significant traffic outside of the high season due to its location in the city center.
