The signings were signed between Attica Group and Elefsina Shipyards

Last update: 16:50

The signings were signed today between Attica Group and Elefsina Shipyards, relating to an extensive shipbuilding repair, modernization and shipbuilding programme.

In particular, the budget of the cooperation memorandum signed today amounts to one billion euros and relates to the 10-year cooperation framework for the implementation of the shipbuilding program for the modernization of the fleet of the Attica Group as well as its subsidiaries, which the ONEX Group undertakes to implement at the facilities located in the shipyards of Elefsina and Syros.

It is noteworthy, as reported by Capital.gr, that the first ship of the Attica group has already entered the tanks of the Elefsina shipyards for repair.

“In this way, the Attica Group practically demonstrates its confidence in the Greek shipyards and supports the Greek economy,” a senior executive of the Attica Group told Capital.gr. “This is a very large agreement, and it is largely based on the Group’s efforts to implement environmental regulations.” The new plan ensures that our ships contribute less to carbon dioxide emissions.

It is noteworthy that the ship development work will also include the installation of dual fuel engines, scrubbers, special paints, and other applications of green shipbuilding technology. It is characteristic that the design of the “greening” of the Attica fleet was planned very carefully several months ago in cooperation with Lloyd’s Register. It includes, on the one hand, work to modernize the current fleet, and on the other hand, a plan to build new ships in the coming years.

The agreement was signed by Mr. K. Mageras, CEO of Attica Group and Mr. P. Xenokostas, Chairman and CEO of ONYX Group, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsounis, CEO of Attica Panagiotis Dikaio, Minister of Development Kostas Skrikas, Minister of Labor and Social Security Adonis Georgiadis, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Mr. Stylianides.

What does the program include?

More specifically, the program offers:

– Maintenance and all repairs of the 45-vessel fleet controlled by the Attica Group today, as well as any vessels acquired or under its management during the cooperation with Onyx.

– Upgrading and energy conversion of the Attica Group fleet, with the aim of “green transformation” and improving the environmental footprint of ships, in compliance with the new environmental requirements of European and international legislation.

– Possibility of building/constructing new ships at ONEX Group facilities, if Attica Group makes such a move for its fleet.

At the press conference held to sign the memorandum, Development Minister Costas Skrikas said: “Today’s signing of the memorandum of cooperation between ONEX and ATTICA GROUP is a great event, an agreement that will help revitalize the Greek shipyards and at the same time of Greece’s coastal shipping fleet.” Today, our vision is given flesh and bones, for Greece to become a shipbuilding hub in the wider region of the South-Eastern Mediterranean. Today is a new bright page for the Eleusina Shipyards, “but also for the sustainable development of the country. The dynamic restoration of the Eleusina Shipyards and with it the revival of an entire sector in Greece, has been from the beginning a personal commitment of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.” Greece dominates global shipping with more than 5,500 ships and owns 60% of the European fleet. Greece has made a catalytic contribution to Europe’s energy security, owning, among other things, 25% of LNG vessels worldwide. Greece, a leader in the green transition, should have a shipbuilding and repair industry at the level it deserves. “Today’s Memorandum of Cooperation is a practical vote of confidence in the credible policy of our government.”

Minister of Labor and Social Security, Adonis Georgiadis, emphasized: “I would like to congratulate ONEX on the great national success it has achieved today. The fact that a very large group like the Attica Group has decided to sign this memorandum of cooperation with the Elefsina shipyards will provide job opportunities for many years.” “For the workers of the region, and therefore for the Greek shipbuilding industry as a whole, it is very happy news. It gives me great personal pride and is certainly a strong signal that Greece can claim a significant share of the global contracts for the shipbuilding industry.”

Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianidis, said: “I welcome this cooperation, this memorandum. We are achieving the common goal of sustainable, competitive and green shipping. In a balanced, rational way and with a development mark so as to achieve economic benefits for all within the framework of economies of scale.”

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, said: “Today’s agreement is of historical importance because it fundamentally marks the beginning of a period of sustainable and stable development for the country’s shipbuilding and repair industry. Today, a new horizon “It is open to more job opportunities, to a range of activities, Which will enhance our industry in general. Greece is back.

The US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsonis, said: “It is a great honor and a pleasure to be with you here today in this very important agreement. I hope you know that I love this country. This is the country where my parents were born.” I want to sincerely thank Adonis Georgiadis and Kostas Skrikas, two people who suffer for their country and every day make a lot of effort so that Greek citizens have job opportunities and reach the highest levels.”

“Today’s agreement is not only financial,” said ONEX SA Group President Panos Xenokostas. “The power created by such an agreement is multiplied by the fact that knowledge remains here. People return to their jobs, we will train new employees and all this treaty creates a continuity whose chain was almost broken when “We started trying to get them back. However, this is a big proof today also for the shipowners and the Greek Coast Guard who have been accused by the deteriorating regime for many years of being stateless and unpatriotic, that the ships are going somewhere else.”

“We have a duty to give everything we can to the Greek economy. Shipbuilding cannot be a profitable business. Shipping and shipyards are interconnected organizations and markets and they must come and invest money,” said Kyriakos Magiras, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Attica Group.

In a blog post by the Minister of Shipping on the X website, he talks about another important step for the development and “green” transition of the Greek fleet.

Signing of a memorandum of cooperation between Attica Group and Onyx Group of Companies to modernize Attica Group’s fleet at the Elefsina and Syros shipyard facilities.

Another important step for the development and “green” transition of the Greek Fleet. pic.twitter.com/eH29TaLMSC

– Christos Stylianides (@StylianidesEU) December 15, 2023