The HCC (in plenary) assessed on April 19, 2021, following the relevant Rapporteur’s Opinion, the conditions of competition and the effectiveness of the commitments undertaken by ATTICA under Decision No. 658/2018 (“Commitment Decision”). In accordance with section B5 of the Commitment Decision, the HCC had to decide upon the removal or extension, in whole or in part, of the relevant commitments under sections B1-B3 for a maximum of three (3) years.
The Commitment Decision approved the merger concerning the acquisition of sole control by ATTICA of Hellenic Seaways, subject to commitments, in accordance with article 8 of Law 3959/2011, as in force. < https://epant.gr/en/decisions/item/1063-decision-658-2018.html >
These commitments concern:
i. The non-increase of the frequency of services, per relevant product market (passengers, cars, lorries), in the route from/to Attica and the islands of Paros, Naxos, Ios, Thira, Amorgos, Koufonisia, Syros, Patmos (“Islands of Commitments”) compared to the frequency of services prior to the merger. Especially for the route from / to Attica and the island of Patmos, the commitment concerns the maintenance of the frequency of services (i.e. the non-reduction of the itineraries as well).
ii. In the event that a Third-Competitor becomes active in specific routes from/to Attica and the Islands of Commitments , ATTICA will cease its activity in these routes.
The HCC with its Decision 734/2021 (published on 26 April 2021) unanimously decided:
- removing the commitment B2a not to increase the frequency of services in the relevant markets of passengers, cars and lorries from / to Attica and the island of Ios
- extending in part the commitment B2st for three (3) years (from 27.04.2021 until 26.04.2024),
- removing the obligation to withdraw from the Greek market the fast ferry HSW Highspeed 4 with effect from 27.04.2021 and
- extending ATTICA’s obligation to cease its activity in the affected route in the event that a Third-Competitor becomes active and ATTICA’s obligation to withdraw Highspeed 4 from the affected markets (i.e. where there is a commitment not to increase the frequency of services).
- extending the validity of the other commitments for another three (3) years (from 27.04.21 until 26.04.24).