Blue economy sectors

The fisheries sector along with aquaculture, is considered important for the economy of Crete, despite its small contribution to GDP, as it contributes to maintaining the economic and social cohesion of large areas of the island.   The main type of aquaculture that is carried out in Crete is marine aquaculture and a few small freshwater farms in the inland. There is also a freshwater aquaculture unit of spiroulina production farm. The main marine species commercially cultured is the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrachus labrax).

According to the Region of Crete data the fishing sector (which includes aquaculture activities) employed about 1000 persons and recorded revenues of approximately €5 million in 2016. At the moment there are not aquaculture companies operate in the island (with the exception of the HCMR’s experimental Facilities).

In Crete, due to the large coastline, the port system is very extensive, consisting of a large number of ports and port facilities of different sizes, while its contribution to the economy of the island is particularly important. Maritime transport is key for the region’s development but is also part of the growing economic activities in Crete. In Crete there are a number of port facilities , which mainly concern 2 ports of international importance (Port of Heraklion and port of Souda), 1 of national importance (port of Rethymno) and 2 of major importance (port of Agios Nikolaos and port of Sitia), along with a large number (about 60) fishing shelters and marinas.

Two of the largest Greek passenger maritime companies headquartered in Crete, namely ANEK and Minoan Lines, with the latter being bought by an Italian company in 2008. Data on passenger transport and cruises over the last five years reveal an upward trend in the number of people using maritime transport services as ports movement reached 2.93 million people in 2018; while the number of cruise passenger disembarking in the island the 453 thousand passengers.

The energy industry in the Region of Crete has as its main pillars the three steam power stations (HPP): Chania, Linoperama and Atherinolakkos, while the Local Production Station (GSP) of Gavdos is in operation, with an installed nominal power of 430kW.

Electricity is produced mainly by imported fuel oil (78%), while renewable sources hold a moderate share in total power generation.  The share of renewable sources in total electricity production reaches 22% in 2018 (solar and wind), with the largest part being attributed to solar power generation. The electrical interconnection of Crete with Attica and the Peloponnese, via a submarine cable is in the process of implementation.