In a period of increasing geopolitical risks and operational demands, maritime safety is once again coming to the forefront.

The construction of a new fleet of tugboats at the Elefsis Shipyards, along with the enhancement of their capabilities, constitutes a key factor in ensuring safety at Greek ports.

However, the challenge is not only technological but also institutional.

Pavlos Xiradakis, President of the Hellenic Association of Tugboat, Salvage, and Anti-Pollution Vessel Owners and Director of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, outlined both the benefits and the weaknesses of the current framework.

Responding to whether the construction of new tugboats in Elefsis can change the country’s operational capabilities, he explains that this development affects the entire “ map” of towing services in Greece.

As he pointed out, the modernization of the fleet with advanced tugboats significantly enhances the quality and safety of services in Greek ports, protecting human life, the marine environment, and port infrastructure.

At the same time, he noted that the new, more powerful tugboats increase the ability to respond to accidents within ports, as well as the capacity to provide emergency assistance at sea in wider areas when specialized professional salvage vessels are not available.

However, he stressed that this upgrade must be accompanied by the full implementation of the institutional framework-specifically, the issuance of safe towing regulations for all ports in the country.