At the heart of government planning for island Greece is the capital of the Cyclades, with the leadership of the Ministry of Shipping reaffirming the island’s strategic importance for the security and economy of the Aegean.
The importance of Syros as an administrative, maritime, and development hub of the Cyclades, as well as the need for continuous strengthening of security, port infrastructure, and ferry connections between the islands was emphasized by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, during his visit to the island, where he held a series of meetings at the Port Authority, the Port Fund, and the ONEX shipyards, accompanied by the commander of the Coast Guard – Greek Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Christos Kontorouhas.
During the meetings, issues concerning the development prospects of the port of Ermoupoli and Syros’s port infrastructure were raised. Specifically, the progress of the Master Plan for the port of Ermoupoli and other tourist infrastructure on the island was discussed, as well as the need to increase staffing at the Syros Port Authority, in anticipation of the peak tourist season.
“Syros and Ermoupoli are the capital of the Cyclades, with a busy, important port, tourism, ferry services, and commercial activity; therefore, it requires our attention and care. It is a place of growth, a beautiful island, but one that needs increased oversight in terms of safety and coastal shipping,” the minister stated.
Mr. Kikilias emphasized that the top priority is the safety of travelers, island residents, and everyone at the ports. “What matters most to me, above all else, is the safety of travelers, island residents, and people at the ports, that they are treated with respect and courtesy, and that the rules are followed, so that we can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” he emphasized.
During his visit to the shipyards of ONEX, the minister noted that the facility employs more than 450 Greek workers, attracts an increasing number of ships, and strengthens the blue economy, providing a significant boost to the island’s development.
As part of his visit to the island, Mr. Kikilias also met with the Metropolitan of Syros, Dorotheos II.
The meetings were attended, among others, by the mayor of Syros-Ermoupoli, Alexis Athanasiou; the president of the Syros Municipal Port Fund, Ioannis Voutsinos, representatives of the Cyclades Regional Unit, and institutional bodies.
