By Paris Tsirigotis

 

Cruise industry is recovering dynamically in Greece, said Mr. Giorgos Koumbenas, the president of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Agencies EEKFN,  speaking in conference on the protection of the environment from the emissions of docked ships.

 

The conference was held on the cruise ship CELESTYAL CRYSTAL in collaboration with the Municipality of Piraeus. The aim of the initiative is to improve the quality of life of the residents, especially in the ports of cruise destinations.

 

Speakers from the Local Government, Internationally Recognized Experts and the field of marine tourism, referred to the efforts made to reduce emissions from the operation of ship engines, in accordance with the Decisions of the International Maritime Organization IMO.

 

Mr. Koubenas said that the shipping industry is one of the least responsible for the pollution of the atmospheric environment since compared to other industries its responsibility is limited to 2.7%. He mentioned that the International Maritime Organization - IMO gives special importance to the issues related to the atmospheric environment with the designation of marine areas as Emission Control Areas (ECA's), which means the passage of ships with reduced production of carbonaceous pollutants. A related decision for the Mediterranean, he emphasized, is expected to come into force from 1/5/2025. He also referred to the installation of electricity supply in the ports to power the ships, the well-known cold ironing.

 

The cruise industry has high expectations for 2023, not only in Greece but in the wider region as well.

 

The cruise industry's economic impact is remarkable in Greece. The sector generates about a billion euros (1.07 billion U.S. dollars) per year and employs at least 16,500 people. When a cruise ship is homeporting, the cruise line is spending money locally on food, fuel and repairs, while the passengers travel around Greece, stay in hotels and spend money on food and entertainment.

 

The Port of Piraeus, which has been managed by China's COSCO Shipping since 2016, registered the highest number of cruise ship calls and passenger arrivals in 2022.

 

The high season of cruise tourism in Greece started in early March and will conclude in December. Greek exports are on the road to set new record in 2023.