Greece’s Shipping Ministry Sets Priorities for 2024

Upgrading training and education, accelerating sustainability actions, enhancing port safety and digitalizing procedures are the top priorities for 2024, said Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianidis during the budget session in parliament.

Addressing lawmakers, Stylianidis said actions were designed to ensure “order and effective management” with emphasis on effectively channeling and absorbing EU resources.

“We have already approved for the entire programming period projects amounting to more than 1.1 billion euros, while support will be directed in a manner that will multiply the benefits for the industry and the country,” he said.

The minister went on to add that funds from the new budget will reach 311 million euros, up by over 25 million euros compared to 2023. At the same time, he said the Public Investment Program had also increased by 50 million euros aimed “mainly towards the repayment of shipping contracts, thus contributing to the smooth operation of the market”.

Christos Stylianidis, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. Photo source: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

The ministry’s budget for 2024 will be channeled into upgraded maritime education. Stylainidis announced that 2024 would be declared the “Year of Maritime Education”. Other key goals next year include ensuring the sector remains competitive and accelerates its green transition and boosting safety at Greek ports. And lastly, funds will go toward the digitalization of services in order to eliminate red tape.

Another target includes the renewal of Greece’s coastal shipping fleet, which according to an XTRC Business Consultants study is getting old posing one of the greatest challenges for companies.