Today, the Elefsina Shipyards welcomed Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, along with Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias,, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Giorgos Mylonakis,, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Deputy Minister of Development, Lazaros Tsavdaridis, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Athanasios Bouras, and members of Parliament. They gathered for the anniversary ceremony titled “700 ships – One vision,” organized by the ONEX Group led by Panos Xenokostas. This event symbolizes the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of repairs on the 700th ship, the Neptune Odyssey, belonging to Melina Traylos’ Neptune Lines Shipping & Managing Enterprises. This achievement underscores the ongoing renaissance in the industry.
“Our goal is to transform ‘Made in Greece’ in shipbuilding and repair into a resounding success story, honoring our nation, business leaders, workers, and all Greeks. This will elevate our reputation in global shipping,”
emphasized the Minister of Development.
Minister Theodorikakos also highlighted legislative measures being implemented by the Ministry of Development to secure financing for the shipyard through the DFC, the US Development Bank. He expressed gratitude for the support of a “national initiative that fosters development and creates thousands of jobs.”
The presence of the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners at the event, as noted by the Development Minister, reinforces the connection between ONEX’s investment and the trust in Greek shipping. He expressed hope that the Neptune Odyssey will mark the beginning of “thousands of ships passing through Greek shipyards.”
He asserted, “Greece, home to one of the world’s strongest merchant fleets, must also possess a shipbuilding industry that reflects its maritime heritage. We cannot be a naval superpower while importing expertise we can develop ourselves.”
Discussing the Government’s vision for industrial reconstruction, he remarked, “The shipbuilding sector, along with our nation’s blue economy, is making a significant comeback. We are reestablishing it as a strategic area for development and national security. For the first time, it is incorporated into the new Development Law as part of flagship and strategic investments.”
The Minister particularly emphasized the investment projects in Elefsina and Syros, stating, “These initiatives create jobs, generate expertise, and are already yielding positive outcomes for the economy.”
In conclusion, the Development Minister underlined the connection between the revitalization of Greek shipyards and a new production model: “Our aim is for Greece to emerge as a shipbuilding hub in the broader Southeastern Mediterranean. Greek shipping is a vital component of the nation’s GDP, providing significant multiplier effects. It is our responsibility to ensure that this investment thrives, benefiting the economy, society, and working individuals.”
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