The last major shipbuildings in our homeland measure almost two decades, leaving unexploited a dynamic that could overturn the data.
Today, with the government setting as a strategic goal the “return” of orders to Greek shipyards, the wager for the rebirth of the sector remains open.
Giorgos Xiradakis, president of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Greek Shipping and managing director of XRTC Business Consultants, prompted by the statements of the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos to “N” -who expressed the government’s intention to dynamically support the country’s shipbuilding industry-, said that the development of the Greek shipbuilding industry requires a plan, with specific initiatives and targeted interventions.
“A first step is the immediate inclusion of the sector in the development law and in the framework of strategic investments, without pointless restrictions that block realistic business plans,” he specifically pointed out.
Of critical importance, he said, is also the creation of a friendly financial framework,
with tools such as the RRF.
“The American support, with investments like the 123 million euros from DFC to the Elefsis Shipyards, shows the way and strengthens the dynamic. Competitiveness is the key-word,” stated Mr. Xiradakis, also pointing out that the recent mobility, such as the cooperation of the Salamis Shipyards with Naval Group, proves that the alliance of knowledge and strategy can turn optimism into a real rebirth.
However, the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, speaking to “N” after his meeting with the US Secretary of the Interior and official for Energy Policy matters Doug Bergam at the Elefsis Shipyards, expressed the government’s intention to dynamically support the Greek shipbuilding industry, while also mentioning the potential of the country’s shipyards to again attract large orders from Greek shipowners.
Mr. Theodorikakos underlined that the American official showed particular interest for the shipbuilding industry and the development prospects of Elefsina.
It is noted, furthermore, that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the ceremony for the delivery of five new patrol vessels to the coast guard, sent a clear message of support to the Greek shipbuilding industry, stressing that the next major programs should include more active participation from domestic shipyards.
In an announcement, the Hellenic Union of Owners of Tugs, Rescue, Anti-Pollution and Offshore Support Vessels, prompted by the statement of the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, underlined that the shipbuilding of tugs and related vessels must be included in financing tools to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
According to the Union, the next decade will require approximately 60 new tugs, with a budget of 600 million euros.
euro, demand that could constitute a strong growth lever for Greek shipyards.
The Greek orderbook continues to remain at impressively high levels, confirming the leading role of Greek shipowners in shipping.
According to the latest report from Xclusiv Shipbrokers, the total orderbook
of Greek interests once again exceeds 600 vessels, recording a momentum that does not seem to be abating, despite uncertainties in the global economy and the freight market.
The data reflects that August was a particularly active month, with the “blue-white” orders amounting to 634 vessels, up from 625 in July, as the Greeks placed nine more orders, while a significant number
of deliveries of newly built units to Greek hands were also recorded.
According to the latest report from the Union of Greek Shipowners, Greek shipping, with 5,691 vessels, represents approximately 20% of the global capacity (in terms of deadweight – dwt), making Greece the largest shipping power in the world.
Of the existing fleet, 33% has scrubbers installed, 7% has the capability to use LNG, 43% uses energy saving technologies (est) and 30% is characterized by eco-ships.
