S. Aegean Region Spurs Waterway Projects as Japan’s Mitsui Eyes Seaplane Market

South Aegean regional authorities are pressing for the announced waterway projects on the islands to resume, with South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos approving this week eight contract procedures allowing the study, construction, licensing and operation of waterways in the Dodecanese.

Together with the Southern Dodecanese Port Authority and the Kalymnos Port Facility, Hatzimarkos approved procedures to be carried out for waterways to be constructed on Rhodes, Symi, Karpathos, Kassos, Halki, Kastellorizo and Tilos.

Under the eight contracts, each budgeted at 150,000 euros, the municipal authorities will allocate space within the ports for the creation of the waterways. The procedures will be funded entirely by the South Aegean Region.

Japan’s Mitsui Eyeing Greece Seaplane Market

Meanwhile, Japanese corporate group Mitsui has expressed interest in the projects announcing plans for hydroplane test runs in September, and regular operations by twenty 10-seater planes in the next five years.

According to local media reports, the Tokyo-based giant said it had plans to purchase a minority stake in VIP airline K2 SmartJets which holds a 20 percent share capital in Greek company Water Airports (Ellinika Ydatodromia).