How shipping can emerge in a factor in growth and attraction of funds, the Minister of Maritime and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, spoke at the 5th OT Forum organized by the financial postman on “New Era for Capital Markets”.
‘Undoubtedly, the sModel, ferry and tourism adorationcontribute to the influx of the country’s GDP, “commented Mr Kikilias, referring to the millions of tourists and Greek visitors who leave the big ports every year.
“We must not forget that seagoing shipping and Greek shipowners represent 70% of European shipping, a position that highlights how important they are to agreements, geopolitical and world order,” the minister added.
“The enemy of the good is the best, however, in such times and times agitated, with trade wars in the landscapes between superpowers who shock societies and economies, this position is an asset that can bring added value that will return to the middle class,” Mr K.
The ferry tickets
“The market is free, there is competition and accordingly the ferry companies are regulating it,” commented Mr Kikilias, responding to the expensive tickets, referring to the reduction of port charges. “But we have taken care of all colleagues, Minister Stavros Papastavrou, Thanassis Petralia, Nikos Tsafos and government vice president Kostis Hatzidakis, to reduce port fees by 50% – which is also true for the concessions.”
“Before I took over, fuel increases had been announced from May 1. But now there will be no increases during the summer season. In fact, I can announce that high -speed boats, which are an important part of the equation, will make significant reductions in the coming days, “Mr Kikilias stressed.
In May, according to the minister, the prime minister approved the sharing of 43m euros in the islanders’ equivalent, as well as the businesses they need to travel.
The safety
Before the summer season begins, we have an event with the break of the crab in Alonissos, as well as 4 disobediences at sea trying to fix
The Minister of Maritime and Island Policy appeared clear on the issue of security, who stressed that “it does not accept any discounts – on the contrary. The second day I took over, I asked for controls everywhere. Instead of 30 checks, they have already been made 170 and I know that the classification societies along with the port and the ports if they see that there is a ship issue, it will go out. “
“There must be order and security in the ports. The case of Piraeus is typical where the situation was unacceptable. There were an additional 50 ports that contributed to port controls, while the Traffic Police, the parked cars and trucks were removed and the processes began to work better, “Mr Kikilias said.
Concerning the incident with the break of Kavos in Alonissos, the minister explained that the Port Authority was removed “not because the Kavos broke, but because he did not mention his superiors to take the necessary measures. Security is more important – I will not accept discounts with ferry safety, it also needs patience by passengers if something is observed, but they must all be done in a way, with safety protocols that will apply to all the same. “
Plans and movements
Regarding the pricing policy in relation to the barren lines, where competition does not work as it does not result in lower prices, but in a more general confusion, Mr Kikilias announced that “the competition for the barren lines will be 4 years long – the government has decided to make the most recent and more modern”.
He highlighted the need to digitize ports and procedures, for example licenses, as well as the launch of large projects that have not yet progressed.
In terms of investment and green shipping, “we are working out a program for funding such programs to convert some decades of ships into more modern ones. Green shipping is a prerequisite by the EU, but Brussels should coordinate better so that Greek shipping can have the place it needs to be on the ground. “