Maritime and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias signed a €23.8 million contract for the procurement of seven new high-speed patrol boats for the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The new vessels will strengthen the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in patrolling Greek waters, protecting the country’s maritime borders, monitoring fishing activities, combating illegal activities, and conducting search and rescue operations.

The contract covers seven MAGNAR 1950-class vessels, each measuring 21.29 metres in length, which will be built in Greece by VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT HELLAS, the company awarded the supply contract.

The patrol boats will be capable of reaching speeds of at least 50 knots and covering distances of at least 320 nautical miles. They will have a crew of six, an overall carrying capacity of at least 30 people, modern navigation and communications systems, and specialised equipment for search and rescue operations.

The contract also provides for the option to procure up to seven additional vessels of the same type in the future.

Built in Greece

“It is particularly significant that these vessels will be built entirely in Greece, at our facilities in Thebes. This is an investment in Greek industry, Greek expertise and Greek workers. The programme will create jobs, develop new skills and strengthen our country’s industrial base.

Viking is an international organisation with a strong presence in Greece for many decades. Our goal is to combine international experience and the highest quality standards with Greek production and innovation. Today’s project is perhaps the best example of this philosophy.

In closing, I would like to reiterate our commitment to working with professionalism, consistency and dedication to deliver a result that meets the expectations of the state and the Coast Guard personnel who will operate these vessels every day.

I would like to thank you sincerely for your trust, and we look forward to seeing the first Greek-built Magnar vessels operating in Greek waters soon,” a Viking representative said.

Kikilias: We must be ready and well organised

In his address, Kikilias referred to the growing demands facing the Hellenic Coast Guard at a challenging time, stressing the need to continuously equip its personnel with modern tools and equipment.

“We are living in difficult times, amid geopolitical instability. The responsibilities facing the Ministry and the Hellenic Coast Guard are significantly increasing, and the procurement of the seven new high-speed patrol boats is another decisive step in our efforts to support the men and women of the Coast Guard, enabling them to fulfil their patriotic duty with the most modern equipment at their disposal. Our aim is to make their work easier as they face the challenges of today and tomorrow,” the minister said.

He called on all parties involved to adhere strictly to the project timetable, so that the vessels could be delivered in succession over the next six to 12 months.

Referring to the fact that the new patrol boats will be built in Greece and highlighting the importance of strengthening the country’s shipbuilding industry, Kikilias said:

“From the very first moment I took office as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, I stressed that operational capability and the ability to strengthen our capabilities on a permanent basis, ultimately achieving a degree of self-sufficiency, are essential. Our ability to manufacture equipment — and therefore to have strong shipyards and a robust shipbuilding industry — is both a necessary and a sufficient condition for this effort. It is now becoming clear that Greek shipyards and companies operating in this sector are growing increasingly stronger.”