Detailed information on the Group’s dynamics and guided tour of the state-of-the-art shipbuilding facilities for the official guests of the ONEX Group.
Takis Theodorikakos: The powerful Greek shipping industry must also have a powerful shipbuilding industry. The Government will support in every way large investments in the shipbuilding sector.
Elefsina, 30-10-24
In a highly symbolic visit, the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, the Ambassador of the United States to Greece, Mr. George Tsounis, and the Secretary General of Private Investments, Mrs. Stellina Siarapi, visited this morning the facilities of ONEX Shipyards in Elefsina, accompanied by representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Greece and associates of the Ministry of Development.
During the visit, ONEX Group executives presented in detail the current and future strategic moves, which are expected to transform Elefsina and Syros Shipyards into one of the largest shipbuilding, energy, and logistics hubs in the Mediterranean region. At the same time, they discussed the upcoming investments of ONEX that will make Greece a central innovation hub in the region, transforming the defense and shipbuilding sectors and creating new growth prospects.
Particular emphasis was placed on the wider economic footprint, but also on the Group’s initiatives so far, which have played a decisive role in the overall revival of the sector in the country and gradually lead to the creation of thousands of jobs.
At the end of the presentation, the President and CEO of ONEX, Mr. P. Xenokostas, accompanied by Group executives, undertook the tour of the visitors to the state-of-the-art shipbuilding facilities, where they were informed about the progress of the restoration works of the various ships, but also about the alternative ways of operation and the effectiveness of the latest tank technology, which have recently become operational.
This visit underlines the great importance of the trilateral cooperation between the Greek Government, the U.S. Embassy and the private sector for the long-term and stable growth of the Greek economy, as well as the strengthening of our country’s position in the global shipping industry.
The Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, during his visit to the shipbuilding facilities, after talking with employees and students of the Vocational School that houses the Shipyard, stressed that: “The shipbuilding industry, the blue economy of our country is at the center of the country’s new production model. It is inconceivable that Greece, a powerful naval power, does not have a correspondingly powerful shipbuilding and repair industry. For the Ministry of Development and the Greek Government, new shipbuilding investments are considered strategic for the country, with all that this entails to facilitate and promote their implementation. Within a year and a half of its establishment at the Elefsina Shipyard, ONEX is estimated to have achieved a turnover of 120 million, while 450 employees are already working and are paid normally. This is a tremendous success and we are here to highlight and support it.”
The U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Mr. George Tsounis, during the Group’s presentation on new investments and constructions, referring to the shipbuilding industry, stressed: “The United States of America seeks to continuously support and strengthen its investments in Greece. Recently, they invested $125 million in the shipyards of Elefsina, contributing decisively to the development of the sector. Before this investment, there were far fewer shipyard workers; Today, this number has increased significantly and will continue to grow. This development offers a new sense of hope to people. Workers are now able to support their families, making a substantial contribution to social cohesion. This investment not only supports families but also strengthens the economy of both Greece and America. Our two countries are working closely together, not only for Greece’s economic development but also for the support of its people.”
The President and CEO of ONEX Group, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, referred to the new investments, the particularly ambitious plan for 3000 new jobs over three years, and the Group’s turnover of millions: “Our vision, a national vision that starts in 2019 with the aim of transforming Greek shipyards into a technological, construction hub that will provide well-paid jobs and will contribute decisively to the country’s GDP. Together with the employees, we managed to change the image of the Shipyards and within two and a half years we are active in the field of repairs, shipbuilding and defense programs, as well as the energy transition.”
Finally, Mr. Xenokostas thanked by name Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Government for its great support and of course the Ministry of Development for its long-standing support in the effort to uplift and resurrect the shipbuilding industry. He also thanked the Minister of Development, Mr. Theodorikakos, for whom he stressed that from the first moment he took over the new portfolio, he actively supported our effort and made sure to be informed about everything required.
