Retrenchment by Greece’s three publicly-listed ferry operators has opened the way for smaller, private rivals to grow.

Crippled by debt, industry stalwarts Attica Group, Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines have been cutting fleets and costs. As a result, their market share has eroded over the past seven years, a survey of Greece’s ferry industry shows.

Back in 2010, the big three firms were carrying 70% of all passengers in Greek coastal waters.