Revitalized Greek shipbuilding promises a larger European market

The reopening of two major shipyards in Greece, Skaramanga and Elefsina, will give a boost to Europe’s maritime technology industry, particularly in the area of sustainable solutions, says Eleni Polychronopoulou, president of HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters. As well as repair and refit work, the shipyards will also undertake special newbuilds with a focus on fitting ships for more sustainable operations, an area where HEMEXPO companies excel. Greece’s shipbuilding sector is currently experiencing a revival, creating opportunities for equipment manufacturers across Europe to work with key players in the international shipping industry.

Polychronopoulou is a strong advocate for the adoption and deployment of novel technologies to decarbonize the shipping industry. She has called for the maritime technology industry to be recognised as an integral part of the European Commission’s Green Deal Industrial Plan, which aims to expand the EU’s production capacities for the net-zero technologies and products needed to achieve Europe’s ambitious climate goals. SEA Europe, the European Association of Shipyards and Maritime Equipment, has developed proposals for several policies that should create more favourable operating conditions for the sector. These include tax breaks for shipyards and marine equipment manufacturers, greater flexibility in the application of the OECD guidelines on financing ship exports, the strengthening of the EU regulation on maritime cabotage, and the drafting of guidelines on state aid in maritime transport.

Tags: hemexpo


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