By Paris Tsirigotis

 

 

2024 marked a milestone year for Greece's shipyards—Skaramangas, Syros and Elefsis.

 

ONEX’s effort began in 2018 with Syros, followed by Elefsis in 2022. Today, the group’s development plan for the next five years includes investments totaling 250 million euros, aiming to create the right conditions so that the shipbuilding units can handle up to 300 Suezmax per year, while simultaneously expanding into neighboring industrial and energy sectors.

 

As for Skaramangas, the largest shipyard in the country, the goal is to enable the repair of LNG carriers, making it the only shipyard in Greece and one of the few in Europe that will serve these ships.

 

Another objective is to create a new floating dock that will be able to serve ships smaller than Suezmaxes and Aframaxes.

 

Skaramangas Shipyards also focus on mega yachts, as well as shipbuilding and ship repair for the Navy and the Greek Coast Guard.

 

A vote of confidence 

 

The Greek-owned ships have also given a vote of confidence to Greek shipyards for their repairs.

 

In addition to the three main shipyards, a series of smaller ones also operate, in Chalkida, Perama and Salamis.

 

All of this constitutes a “very heavy” industry, which could contribute over 2% to the nation’s GDP.

 

More specifically, according to ONEX calculations, the total impact of the resumption of Elefsis Shipyards on the Greek economy could reach 1% of GDP.

 

However, the impact on the country’s defense may be even greater, since Greece may be able to build warships once again.