Greece has reaffirmed its commitment to the shipbuilding sector and island development through its national industrial strategy, highlighting the two areas as pillars of sustainable economic growth and maritime competitiveness.
During the Aegean Cuisine Cyclades 2025 symposium held on the island of Syros, Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos stated that the government “supports investments in shipbuilding and the Greek islands.” He emphasised that the shipbuilding industry is a key part of Greece’s economic and national identity.
As part of the visit, the minister toured ONEX Shipyards Syros, where a large-scale modernisation programme is underway. The upgrade includes dry-dock improvements, new fabrication facilities, and expanded capacity for ship repair and refitting. Theodorikakos met with employees and management during the inspection, underscoring that the shipyard’s transformation is an example of effective public-private cooperation.
The Greek Ministry of Development has classified shipbuilding as a Strategic Investment sector under national legislation, allowing for faster licensing, fiscal support, and coordination with the Ministry of National Defence. According to Shipping Telegraph, this classification reflects the government’s effort to revive domestic industrial production while maintaining Greece’s maritime edge.
The government has also initiated discussions with potential international partners — including investors from Saudi Arabia — regarding participation in shipyard and defence-related industrial projects. These talks remain at a preliminary stage, with details yet to be finalised.
The ONEX Shipyards Syros project is viewed by Greek authorities as a successful case of industrial revitalisation. Once a struggling facility, it now operates as a competitive ship-repair hub serving both commercial and naval vessels. Minister Theodorikakos described it as “a model for how Greek industry can combine private initiative and state support to achieve competitiveness.”
The government’s wider initiative covers not only shipbuilding but also infrastructure and investment programmes across the Aegean Islands, aiming to strengthen the economic sustainability of island communities through targeted industrial and logistics development.
