Theodoratos: Greek coastal shipping is at a critical transition point
Dionysis Theodoratos, president of the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships, highlights the urgent need for a national strategy on green transition and modernization in the coastal shipping sector.
During the general assembly of the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships, president Dionysis Theodoratos articulated crucial strategic objectives for 2026. The meeting focused on developing a national strategy aimed at facilitating a green transition in coastal shipping. This necessitates modernizing the institutional framework with clear procedures and upgrading port infrastructure. The intention is to bolster coastal shipping entrepreneurship and enhance cooperation with both the State and European institutions to foster a sustainable maritime environment.
Theodoratos emphasized that the Greek coastal shipping is currently facing a pivotal transition point. He pointed out that through concerted efforts and dialogue with the State, stakeholders can create a robust and competitive sector that not only supports the needs of insular communities but also contributes positively to the national economy. The modernization of the institutional framework is seen as vital in ensuring the competitiveness of coastal shipping companies within Greece as well as in the broader European context.
The discussion also highlighted the need for significant investments and policy reforms to stimulate growth in the sector, focusing not just on economic sustainability but also on environmental considerations. By aligning efforts with European institutions, Greece's coastal shipping can navigate the challenges of modernization while upholding its responsibilities towards sustainable development and supporting its insular population, which relies heavily on these maritime services.