Comprehensive information on the Group’s dynamics and a 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 major investments in the shipbuilding sector in every way.
Elefsina, 30-10-24
Panos Xenokostas, Takis Theodorikakos (Minister of Development), George Tsounis
In a highly symbolic visit, the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, the United States Ambassador to Greece, Mr. George Tsounis, and the Secretary General of Private Investment, Ms. Stellina Siarapi, visited this morning the ONEX Shipyards facilities in Elefsina, accompanied by Representatives of the American Embassy in Greece and colleagues from the Ministry of Development.
During the visit, ONEX Group executives presented in detail the current and future strategic moves, which are expected to transform the Elefsina and Syros Shipyards into one of the largest shipbuilding, energy and logistics hubs in the Mediterranean region. At the same time, ONEX’s upcoming investments were discussed, which are set to make Greece a central innovation hub in the region, transforming the defense and shipbuilding and repair sectors and creating new growth prospects.
Particular emphasis was placed on the broader economic footprint, as well as on the Group’s initiatives to date that have played a decisive role in the overall revival of the industry in the country and are gradually leading to the creation of thousands of jobs.
After the presentation, ONEX President and CEO, Mr. P. Xenokostas, accompanied by the Group’s executives, took the visitors on a tour of the state-of-the-art shipbuilding facilities, where they were informed up-close about the progress of the restoration work on the various ships, as well as about the alternative modes of operation and the efficiency of the latest technology tanks, which were recently put into operation.
This visit underscores the great importance of trilateral cooperation between the Greek Government, the US Embassy and the private sector for the long-term and stable development of the Greek economy, as well as strengthening 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, emphasized that: “The shipbuilding industry, the blue economy of our homeland is at the center of the country’s new productive model. It is inconceivable that Greece, a powerful naval power, does not have a correspondingly powerful shipbuilding and repair sector. For the Ministry of Development and the Greek Government, new investments of a shipbuilding nature are considered strategic for the country, with all that this entails for the facilitation and promotion of their implementation. ONEX, within a year and a half of its establishment at the Elefsina Shipyard, is estimated to have managed to generate a turnover of 120 million, while 450 employees are already working and are paid regularly. This is a tremendous success and we are here to highlight it and support it.”
The US Ambassador to Greece, Mr. George Tsounis, during the Group’s presentation on new investments and constructions, referring to the shipbuilding and repair sector, emphasized: “The United States of America seeks to continuously support and strengthen its investments in Greece. Recently, they invested 125 million dollars in the Elefsina shipyards, contributing decisively to the development of the sector. Before this investment, the number of employees in the shipyards was much lower; today, this number has increased significantly and will continue to increase. This development offers a new sense of hope to people. Workers are now able to support their families, contributing significantly to social cohesion. This investment not only supports families but also strengthens the economy of both Greece and America. Our two countries work closely together, not only for the economic development of Greece but also to support its people.”
The Chairman and CEO of ONEX Group, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, referred to the new investments, the highly ambitious plan for 3000 new jobs over a three-year period 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 and 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-term support in the effort to elevate and resurrect the shipbuilding industry. He also thanked by name the Minister of Development, Mr. Theodorikakos, for whom he emphasized that from the first moment he took over the new portfolio, he has practically supported our effort and made sure to be informed of everything that is required.
