Hellenic Shipowners’ Association: The ‘Development Law’ is a time bomb

On the occasion of the forthcoming adoption of the multi-bill “Development Law – Greece Strong Development” the Hellenic Association of Shipowners of Tugs, Lifeguards, Anti-Pollution & Offshore Support Ships expresses its strong opposition to the as well as in the conditions of safe navigation in the Greek seas, as the possibility of strengthening the investment plans in the sector of equipment for the provision of port support services (cranes, tugs, lifeguards, detergents, etc.) is excluded from the Draft Law.

This is also contrary to Regulation (EU) 2017/1084 of the European Commission of 14 June 2017 “amending Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 as regards aid for port and airport infrastructure”, which allows henceforth the financing of specific private investments, with the main aim of improving the protection of the environment.

In fact, at a time when the upgrading of the country as a global freight and tourist destination is a critical National bet, but also the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, sets green transport and environmental protection as a priority, the political leadership of the competent Ministry with The specific Draft Law – in an anti-community and de-investment logic – is deafening, mining the guarantee of safe and environmentally clean navigation for the Greek seas and the Greek ports, the Union states.

In the context of the consultation on the draft law, the Union has already submitted detailed proposals where, based on EU law, it is clear that not only is it possible, but also to guide and encourage Member States to support private investment in areas such as tugs, lifeboats, anti-pollution and other port support vessels, both for the protection of the environment and human life, as well as for the facilitation of European transport networks

It is worth noting that the needs for transportation of products and goods in recent years have multiplied and in combination with the geographical location of the country make the Greek seas an international hub. Specifically from the data only for Piraeus, the largest port in the country and fourth in Europe (2020), container traffic for 2020 (5,437,477), despite the pandemic, was very close to the levels of 2019 (5,648,056 ) and clearly higher than in 2018 (4,907,913). At the same time and in terms of tourist traffic already in 2021 the resumption of the cruise was achieved at a rate of 60% of 2019 (number of cruise ships) while for 2022, based on bookings, an increase of 18% is expected in Piraeus, with more than 700 cruise ships arriving in 2019, before the pandemic, the corresponding arrivals were 622.

In addition, according to the relevant annual data (Greek Maritime Accident and Incident Investigation Service) the increasing trend is clear, as even in 2020 (amid a pandemic with particularly reduced traffic) the maritime incidents were 631.19% more than in 2019 (531), in 2018 it was 471, in 2017 458 and in 2016 only 400. Nautical incidents that cost workers, businesses, the environment and threaten our islands every year ..

In this context, the Union emphasizes that “investments in the construction of modern tugs, detergents and lifeguards to meet the modern needs of the country’s territorial waters are vital to protect our islands and seas from maritime accidents and their tragic environmental and economic consequences ”.

He adds: “At the same time we must note that the completely wrong message is sent for the development of the industry and Shipping but also the attraction of any investment effort as the vast majority of these modern vessels are built in Greek shipyards. The non-inclusion of investments “Development Law” threatens thousands of jobs but also important funds for the Greek Shipyards.

Moreover, at the same time that Turkey is building 8 new modern tugs – lifeboats, in order to cover the Aegean sea area, our country, with this political choice, refuses, beyond all reason, to encourage private investment. in modern and sophisticated tugboats, lifeboats and anti-pollution vessels, minimizing national maritime assistance capabilities and endangering even national sovereignty.

We have submitted our proposal to explicitly provide in the Draft Law the possibility of strengthening investment plans in the sector by promoting the safety and protection of our ports and seas and utilizing the leading position in the world of Greek Shipping. For its part, however, the State is deaf, insisting on sham dialogues, ignoring the dangers and the European Regulations, jeopardizing the support of the Greek economy, shipping and the environmental protection of our seas and coasts.

We call on those in charge, Minister of Development and Investment, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, and Deputy Minister of Development and Investment, Mr. Nikolaos Papathanasis, to answer why they ignore European Legislation and mine the National Bet on the development of a green and safe environment. and tourist hub of international standards. The State must act responsibly by promoting a “Development Bill” which will encourage investment in safe, and environmentally and economically, navigation in the country “.