At the Blue Strategy Summit 2026 conference, which focused on Greece’s upgraded role at sea, as well as the shipbuilding industry, maritime economy, energy security and defense production, Vassilis Kikilis spoke. From the “InterContinental Athens,” the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy emphasized that Greece is not a follower in maritime affairs, but a player. Specifically, he said: “One can now say after more than ten years of various developments that maritime professions can constitute the great change.” He then commented: “The country will never again function as a member that simply agrees with what happens in shipping, but will co-shape the developments.”
Vassilis Kikilis: “We support shipyards as a state”
Furthermore, Vassilis Kikilis spoke about shipyards and the investments that entrepreneurs are making: “Important entrepreneurs are investing in shipyards and there is very great interest. This delights us, pleases us and we want to emphasize it and support it as a state. That’s why we are trying to legislate and help this effort.” He also said that society and people are participants in this specific effort, namely the reforms, investments and visionary moves: “And to prove the point, at this time in the shipyards it appears that ownerships are in excellent cooperation with everyone.” He noted that the collaborations now taking place in this sector at the international level “make us even more optimistic and ambitious.” The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy concluded: “People now go together with investments, hope and vision for a better life in the next turn of the journey. And I think the sea is the path we must follow. We can do it, we Greeks.”
It is worth noting that the conference was held on Monday, May 25, under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic, with the support of the Ministries of National Defense, Environment and Energy, Development, Labor and Social Security, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as Maritime Affairs and Island Policy.
