At the Elefsina Shipyards was visited today by the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, together with the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Giorgos Mylonakis, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, the Deputy Minister of Development, Lazaros Tsavdaridis, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Athanasios Bouras, as well as Members of Parliament, for the anniversary ceremony “700 ships – One vision”, organized by the ONEX Group of Panos Xenokostas. An event with strong symbolism for the rebirth of the Greek shipbuilding industry.

The event commemorated the completion of the shipyard repair of the 700th ship, the Neptune Odyssey of Melina Traylos’ Neptune Lines Shipping & Managing Enterprises, an achievement that confirms in practice the renaissance of the industry.

“The bet that we all have to achieve is for “Made in Greece” in shipbuilding and building and ship repair to be transformed into an absolute success story. Into something that will honor our country, business executives, employees, and all Greeks. Because in this way it will reach the level of Greek shipping, which advertises our country all over the world,”
The Minister of Development stressed.

Mr. Theodoricakos referred to the legislative intervention promoted by the Ministry of Development in order to ensure the financing of the shipyard through the DFC, the US Development Bank, expressing his thanks for the support provided to a “national bet with a developmental footprint and thousands of jobs”.

The presence of the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, at the anniversary event, marks – as the Development Minister said – the link between ONEX’s investment project and the confidence of Greek shipping, while he wished that the Neptune Odyssey will be just the beginning “for thousands of ships that will pass through Greek shipyards”.
He noted that “Greece, with one of the strongest merchant fleets in the world, must also have a shipbuilding industry worthy of its maritime tradition. We cannot be a naval superpower and import know-how that we can produce here.”

Regarding the Government’s vision for industrial reconstruction, he said: “The shipbuilding industry, the blue economy of our country, is making a dynamic return to the forefront. We are putting it back in the frame as a strategic sector of development and national security. That is why, for the first time, it is included in the new Development Law as part of the flagship and strategic investments.”

Theodoricakos made special reference to the investment project in the shipyards of Elefsina and Syros, stating that “it creates jobs, produces know-how and is already bearing fruit in the real economy”.

Finally, the Development Minister highlighted the link between the regeneration of Greek shipyards and the new production model: “Our goal is for Greece to become a shipbuilding hub in the wider Southeastern Mediterranean region. Greek shipping represents a very important part of the country’s GDP, with strong multiplier benefits. It is up to us to ensure that this investment continues to be a huge success – for the benefit of the economy, society, and working people.”