“The power of Greece – USA (ie shipbuilding, ports, LNG and Energy) can make our country an energy hub for America,” said Minister of Maritime and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilia, Vassilis Kikilia, said in an energy hub for America.

The minister stressed that, since the two countries’ relations are strong, “the US can move the LNG they export through Greece, either through the North Axis from Alexandroupolis – which is one of our aspirations – either stored in Revithousa or in new FSRUs. This means new infrastructure, ports, jobs, development and energy, security. Energy security, because our country is not in the easiest neighborhood. “

Regarding the forthcoming vote in IMO (as part of the Net-Zero Framework proposal) to regulate emissions in shipping, the Minister of Maritime said it was a major issue of national interest. “This agreement has problems, ambiguities and unrealistic goals,” he said. As he pointed out, the goal of all countries on the globe is to reduce carbon emissions until they are reset. He clarified, however, that it is important to “be done in a realistic time and not to” push to today “, at a time when there are still no new green fuels – and if any, they cover only 0.5% of the need for the world fleet”.

In the same context, he emphasized that “already, within our European family, we have put strong reservations about this vote. Nowadays, we have to defend: to be an energy hub, to have energy security and therefore, a complex defense – with both our allies and America. And from this to create new jobs, wealth and a heavy industry, which we need to stand by tourism. “

Concerning the issue of interconnecting the islands of the barren lines, Mr Kikilias said the ministry has announced a closed competition of 168 million euros for 4 years, stressing that “our islands, which are within our maritime borders, are not a disadvantage. On the contrary, our government considers it to be a geostrategic comparative advantage for the country and therefore we have a duty to serve our islanders and to ensure that they move to other islands and the mainland. “

Finally, in terms of shipping, the minister noted that more than 1,000 extraordinary security checks were carried out on ships of all types (conventional, speedboat, ferry boats, tourist, etc.). Also, as he noted, “the Greek government gives 300 million plus 700 million loans from the European Investment Bank to renew our country’s ferry fleet. And something else is very important is the new development sector. I also urge businessmen to come to seize the opportunity and invest in this industry, which – along with seagoing shipping that is first power and proudly – needs to be supported by plan and investment. “