The tugboat construction contract signing ceremony took place at the Elefsina Shipyards, in the presence of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle. The ceremony was attended by Maritime Minister Vasilis Kikillias, ONEX President and CEO Panos Xenokostas, and MEGATAGS Group CEO Pavlos Xiradakis.
In her speech, Ambassador Guilfoyle said: “Minister Kikillias, Panos and Pavlos, it is an honor to be here with you today. It is an honor to be here with you today for the first agreement and for the beginning of a new chapter. Tugboat production for Greece and for the shipyards is more than a milestone – it is testimony to the unshakeable cooperation between Greece and the United States.”
Kikillias: Opportunity opens for additional crane ship investments
For his part, Vasilis Kikillias stated: “We are very pleased and satisfied in the Greek government and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs because security issues are a top priority and extremely important to us – port security, maritime security. With this agreement being signed between ONEX and Panos Xenokostas and Mr. Xiradakis, in the presence of the US Ambassador Mrs. Guilfoyle, and with the strong support of the shipyard workers, whom we thank very much, the opportunity is given within the framework of Greek legislation and European legislation to make additional investments in crane ships, vessels that are very important in the security sector and show the direction that Greek shipping is taking. Also, new jobs – this is a sector we want to support with all our strength.”
