During a handover ceremony today, Greece’s new Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, outlined his vision for the ministry, emphasizing citizen safety and the development of the Port of Piraeus. Taking over from outgoing minister Christos Stylianidis, Kikilias pledged to make safety a non-negotiable priority while fostering growth in the shipping sector.
“I am fully aware of where I have come. This great port will be my home for the coming years,” Kikilias said, referring to Piraeus. “My purpose is to improve lives and create conditions for development.” He stressed that the safety of citizens, travelers, and workers is paramount, urging full compliance with this principle. “The Coast Guard will ensure it is implemented 100%,” he added, warning that those who fail to follow will face opposition from the ministry.
Kikilias also highlighted ambitious plans for the Port of Piraeus, aiming to mirror the service upgrades seen at Athens’ airport. “We will collaborate with the municipality to achieve measurable results,” he said. Additionally, he committed to working with the private sector and government to lower ferry ticket prices, supporting island communities and travel to remote areas.
The new minister praised the Coast Guard as a “protective shield” in the Aegean, vowing not to let it become a scapegoat for challenges at sea. On maritime education, he called for dialogue to elevate standards, stating, “It must reach the position it deserves, honoring our ancestors’ legacy.”
Outgoing minister Christos Stylianidis described the handover as emotional, calling Greek shipping “our great pride” for its global role. He highlighted achievements like securing 1.7 billion euros in EU funds for modernization and Greece’s leadership in the IMO. “Safety, modernization, and restructuring were my framework,” Stylianidis said, noting enhanced Coast Guard capabilities and a focus on maritime safety.
Kikilias inherits a ministry poised for growth, with safety and sustainability at its core.
This version is concise, polished, and structured like a typical news article while retaining the key points from the original text. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!