The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, expressed the belief that shipping and the energy transported by sea will play a decisive role in international developments in the coming years, speaking in the context of the Athens Defence Conference organized by the Delphi Economic Forum, in cooperation with the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).
As the minister stated, Greece supports the green transition of shipping; however, the relevant decisions must be taken with the participation of the member states and the people of shipping and not imposed without them.
Mr. Kikilias stressed that over the next 25 years shipping, the energy transported by sea, shipyards, port infrastructure and marinas will determine the development of trade and international relations. “The faster we invest in these sectors, the more immediately we will be able to take the lead”, he noted, underlining that the country must invest in the sectors that have historically been a driving force of the economy and created opportunities for growth and employment.
Referring to the role of Greek ports, he noted that the Draghi report on the competitiveness of the European Union highlights the strategic importance of European shipping and ports. As he pointed out, a coherent network of ports connecting the north, the south and the islands can act as a catalyst for the country's development, while the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry can evolve into one of the main heavy industries of the Greek economy.
He also made special reference to the port of Alexandroupolis, which he described as a strategic hub for Europe, noting that the return of American investments to Greece is now a reality. As he said, the role of the port can be further strengthened through new energy infrastructure, its participation in the Vertical Corridor and its use as an energy storage hub.
Answering a question about fleet modernization and the financing of the necessary infrastructure, he argued that a combination of public and private capital is required, along with the use of European programs, as well as public-private partnerships where feasible. At the same time, he spoke in favor of attracting investments from abroad so that development projects can gain greater momentum.
Referring to foreign policy, he underlined that Greece must maintain an active dialogue with all interlocutors and constantly seek allies, while noting, however, that public statements on sensitive geopolitical issues should be made sparingly and only when there is full knowledge of the negotiations.