The launch of a series of port infrastructure and desalination projects in Corfu and all the Ionian islands, in line with AEGIS, was announced by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, during his visit to Corfu.

"The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, with all the competent bodies, will now run the tenders at the pace required by society," the minister stressed.

He added: "Some 3.4 million people pass through the island by various means: cruise, coastal shipping, navigation, yachting and so on. We welcome these travelers, and we want to support them. But we must also take care of our islanders, whom we respect and are committed to supporting in every possible way."

Kikilias emphasized the impact of the policy, saying: "This policy has shown that, if there is will, determination, stubbornness, courage and strength, in the end, one manages to help these people who, for me, cannot, in any case, be citizens who are having difficulty in their daily lives. It is our islanders that we are strengthening. We are supporting them so that our islands can communicate with the mainland, goods can be moved and trade and the economy can be supported."

Regarding the Coast Guard, the minister stated that new vessels and modern technology will be deployed to the islands. The Corfu Port Authority and all the Ionian Port Authorities will be digitized, and surveillance equipment, drones, sensors, cameras, satellite images and everything required will be provided to ensure that port guards can carry out their duties as effectively as possible.

"The upgrading of ports is our strategic priority, both through the port concession contract to the private sector and the improvement of state ports," said Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias.

"When ports, highways and networks converge, the added value for local communities and the national economy multiplies," he said.

New master plan for the future of the Port of Volos

The port of Volos is undergoing a restructuring process after the Growthfund decided to launch a tender to hire a strategic development consultant, following the information about strong investment interest in the port from Indian companies.

A key point in the developments will be the moves of the Thessaloniki port administration, as to whether it will ultimately choose legal recourse after the government canceled the relevant tender for 67% of the Volos Port Authority.

According to information from Naftemporiki, the goal is, after the new consultant is selected and the proposals are submitted, to follow a new master plan for the port, while subsequently, the Growthfund, in collaboration with the government, is expected to make the final decisions on whether there will be a new tender for its development.