The Greek Competition Authority rejects complaint alleging abuse of dominance with respect to freight rebates charged by shipping companies in Northern Greece (Thasos / TSCSA)

I. The Factual Background1. In general The coastal area of Kavala in Northern Greece connects to the island of Thasos via two local sea routes (i)Keramoti/Kavala- Thasos (40 minutes trip duration) and (ii) Kavala - Thasos (1 hour and 35 minutes trip duration), on which ferry boats and car ferries operate, that belong to the following shipping companies: (1) Thasos Shipping Company Societe Anonyme (hereinafter “T.S.C.S.A.”), (2) the joint venture of Kavala and Thasos ferry boats and car ferries (resulting from the merger of the companies Kavala Shipping Company and Rodopi Shipping Company , hereinafter “the Joint Venture”), (3) Northern Greece Ferries S.A., and (4) Panagia Assinoy S.A., which only operates on the route Keramoti/Kavala - Thasos. 2. The TSCSA Unilateral Conduct On 20 July