“We aspire within the next six months that all the works of ‘AEGIS 2’ have been announced, which is the extension of ‘SHIELD‘Of Civil Protection and concerns the Modernization and dynamic reinforcement of logistical infrastructure for the port body, for the Coast guardbut also for the Business Center of the Ministry of Maritime and Island PolicyThe Minister of Maritime and Island Policy said, Vassilis Kikilias.
As he pointed out in an interview with Realnews, with “AEGIS 2“,” The Ministry is supplying new vessels of all types, reinforcement with unmanned surveillance aircraft systems, expanding and upgrading the VTMIS National System, so that we can have a full -time full picture of the 10 most VTS (marine traffic management centers) throughout the country.
Specifically, in the creation of a new business center, Mr Kikilias emphasized that “the possibilities that the use of new technologies give us also apply to the storage of maritime borders, as well as the imprinting – in real time – of ferry shipping.
Obviously, therefore, a one is required to New Digital Business Center (War Room)which will use multiple sources of data log, ie from drones We will obtain, from cameras, from scenarios, satellite shots, from open and closed sources.
All of this will compose information quickly, reliably and accurately, enabling the Coast Guard officers to appreciate every incident in a timely and correctly, in order to make similar critical decisions. “
«This center will be the “brain” of operational action, which will lead the Port body and the ministry in a new era“, He said.
Regarding the supply of drones and new boats, he noted that “beyond the new boats, the supply of drones is important. They are now an integral part of our business readiness. Last year, we joined them into Civil protection For timely detection of fire fireplaces and guidance of firefighters, with excellent results. ”
He added: “Now, their use of our marine border surveillance and immediate information on any possible incident multiplies the potential of the Coast Guard and essentially enhances the work of men and women in the body.”
For the two new offshore ships, Mr Kikilias said: “The new ships, over 80 meters, will be greater than those already owned by the Coast Guard – Greek Coast Guard. They will have much greater potential as they will be able to operate in more adverse weather conditions – a very important parameter, especially for the Aegean waters – will have, among other things, helicopters, sophisticated surveillance sensors and will be able to operate much more days and nights in continuous and over longer distances. “
Asked about their prospect of shipbuilding in Greece, he said that “the Greek shipyards have great potential in human resources and Know – How, to participate in the international competition for the supply of new ports of the Port Authority – Hellenic Coast Guard”.
Finally, in relation to the Fleet Refreshment Program, he stressed that “We seek cooperation with the European Investment Bank so that investment capital can be further strengthened, motivating our ferry to renew the fleet.
This transition is not easy, but it is a necessary step to ensure a fleet of safe, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly, using cleaner fuels and reduced environmental footprint. Our islands are an advantage for Greece and the shield of their ferry shipping is a matter of national importance».