Still No Progress in Greek Waterway Saga

Waterway plans and projects across Greece are still up in the air with leading investor Hellenic Seaplanes warning that if a sufficient number of waterways is not licensed in the upcoming summer season then “hydroplanes will never make it to Greece”.

Hellenic Seaplanes chairman, CEO and founder Nicolas Charalambous is ringing alarm bells yet again calling on the transport ministry to explain why there are delays in passing a draft law which was introduced last August for the operation of a waterway network in Greece.

“If by the next tourist season a sufficient number of waterways has not licensed to ensure the viability of companies, seaplanes will not come to Greece,” he said.

Waterways on the islands of Corfu and neighboring Paxi had receiving approval for all contract procedures, last year – a process which took five years to complete. But even if these two facilities begin operations this year, they do not form an operational network and are thus unable to ensure the viability of private enterprise.

Private stakeholders include Hellenic Seaplanes plus subsidiaries and construction firm ELIKA ATEE. Public parties involve the South Aegean Region, island municipalities and the Greek privatization fund TAIPED.

A total of 63 waterways have applied for licensing with only two obtaining permits – on Corfu and Paxi – with those in Patra and Volos next in line for approval.