In Greece, this discussion takes on particular importance, as coastal shipping constitutes an integral element of daily life, insularity, and national connectivity.
On the occasion of today’s day, the President of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies – Coastal Shipping, Dionysis Theodoratos, in his message states that the Association participates in the celebration of World Sustainable Transport Day, highlighting the decisive role of Greek passenger shipping in sustainable mobility, environmental protection, economic development, social welfare and social cohesion, geographical continuity, and the regional development of the country.
“Greece is one of the most important European powers in passenger shipping, managing approximately 18% of European coastal shipping traffic, despite the fact that it corresponds to only 2% of the European Union’s population. This reality confirms that coastal shipping is not just a transport sector; it is a pillar of cohesion, development, and equal access for our island regions and for maritime interconnection with the other EU countries through the Greece-Italy ‘coastal’ lines,” Mr. Theodoratos emphasizes.
He further points out that coastal transport – which serves 145 ports – as the primary and only way of connecting our 89 islands without an airport to the mainland, as well as inter-island transport – constitute a vital element of sustainable coastal transport.
For this reason, the Association underlines that coastal transport requires specialized policies, targeted funding, and a strategic approach, particularly in the areas of the green transition, energy saving, and fleet renewal.
“Passenger shipping is at the forefront of the European effort to reduce emissions, develop clean technologies, and enhance the resilience of transport systems. The concept of ‘Motorways of the Sea’, which the European Union introduced two decades ago, remains more relevant today than ever, promoting the shift of transport to greener, more efficient, and safer sea routes,” the president of the coastal shipowners emphasizes, noting that their body supports the initiatives of the Council and the European Parliament to maintain the decisive role of maritime transport in achieving Europe’s common environmental and developmental goals.
“With a commitment to sustainable development, to our islanders, to our seafarers, to innovation, and to the sea that unites us, we continue to work for a strong, modern, friendly, and sustainable coastal shipping,” Mr. Theodoratos states.
