Greek Coastal Shipping Must Embrace Innovation and Sustainability, Says Minister

Greek Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides on Tuesday called for the modernization of the country’s coastal shipping sector to meet the challenges of the modern era.

Speaking at the “Modern Coastal Transport, Sustainable Development of the Islands” conference in Athens, organized by the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships (SEEN), Stylianides outlined a strategic vision focused on innovation and balanced state intervention.

The minister highlighted the sector’s critical role in ensuring high-quality services for citizens while maintaining sustainability. He detailed several key initiatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy:

– Digitalization and passenger rights: Introducing digital systems and e-services to enhance transparency and improve passenger experiences.
– Port slot systems: Implementing systems to reduce congestion and enhance port safety.
– Green fleet for rural routes: Promoting public-private partnerships to modernize the fleet with environmentally friendly vessels.
– Aegean master plan: Evaluating infrastructure and developing coastal transport in the region.
– Maritime cluster: Strengthening Greek shipping’s competitiveness and attracting investment.
– Upgraded maritime education: Modernizing educational programs and infrastructure to better prepare maritime professionals.

Stylianides emphasized the need for Greece’s maritime strategy to align with European goals, particularly regarding the green transition and sustainable practices. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure connectivity for Greece’s islands, which he described as a “vital pillar” of the nation’s economy.

“The coastal shipping sector is at a pivotal moment due to environmental and geopolitical developments. We are committed to making it modern, competitive, and sustainable,” Stylianides said. He also pledged to prioritize the energy upgrade of existing ships and construction of new, eco-friendly vessels while securing European funding for key projects.

SEEN President Dionysis Theodoratos echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the sector’s importance for economic stability and employment. “A clear maritime policy is essential to meet the challenges of the future,” he noted.

The conference underscored the critical need for innovation and sustainability to safeguard the future of Greece’s coastal shipping industry.