Local authorities have agreed to set limits, with no ships over 150 metres and none at all in July and August (this summer the 922-passenger MSC Explora I anchored in Katapola, causing chaos on the island’s narrow streets). In a petition that was launched shortly after the news of the decision to build a new port was announced, local Alexios Seilopoulos stated that the island already faces serious infrastructure issues, including problems with waste collection, sewage management and sea pollution, which would only be worsened by the project.
Another islander, who didn’t wish to be named, told me he was sceptical that any of the revenue made from cruise ships would return to the island. “In Santorini the roads are terrible, there are problems with water – there are even open-air rubbish tips – but it’s an island where they make millions each year from tourism, so why is there no investment there?”