Greek Shipyards Association unveils roadmap for shipbuilding revival
The Greek Shipyards Association (HEN) has unanimously approved a new manifesto that aims to restore the competitiveness of Greece’s shipbuilding industry by 2034.
The proposal, submitted by HEN President and ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Chairman Panos Xenokostas, outlines a long-term strategy to strengthen both Greek and European shipbuilding. The Association will soon launch a series of initiatives under the slogan “American Momentum, European Awakening.”
Roadmap for a stronger shipbuilding industry
The manifesto serves as a roadmap for rebuilding Greece’s shipbuilding sector. Its goal is to make Greek shipyards globally competitive while supporting Europe’s industrial autonomy.
HEN also plans a large advocacy campaign across Greece and the European Union. The campaign will target decision-makers in Athens, Brussels and Strasbourg. The Association wants shipyards to receive stronger institutional support, new incentives and improved financing.
Tax reforms and new incentives
The manifesto proposes a special tax and regulatory framework for large shipyards. HEN wants to align it more closely with the framework that applies to Greece’s ocean-going shipping sector.
The proposal also calls for lower labour costs through changes to tax and social security contributions. According to HEN, these reforms would improve competitiveness while increasing employment in the sector.
Another proposal introduces a fast-track process for recruiting skilled workers from non-EU countries. The Association believes this measure would help address labour shortages on major projects.
Investing in digital shipyards
A central part of the strategy is Project NEXUS.
The initiative promotes digital shipyards equipped with robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. HEN believes these technologies will increase productivity, improve efficiency and support workers in demanding industrial tasks.
The manifesto also encourages greater investment in modern production systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Supporting Europe’s industrial autonomy
HEN proposes using revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to support shipbuilding investment instead of directing those funds into general budgets.
The Association also calls for tax incentives for newbuildings and ship repairs completed in Greece and the European Union. In addition, it wants greater flexibility for state aid rules covering strategic shipyard investments.
Looking beyond 2035
The roadmap also focuses on long-term competitiveness.
HEN wants Greece to prepare for next-generation zero-emission vessels and future propulsion technologies. The manifesto also promotes integrated industrial hubs that combine shipyards, ports and logistics facilities.
Finally, the Association proposes recognising Greece as the southern pillar of Europe’s shipbuilding industry. It also supports closer cooperation with the United States through a Transatlantic Shipbuilding Pact covering commercial, defence and energy-related shipbuilding projects.
According to HEN, these measures would strengthen Greece’s position in global shipbuilding while helping Europe reduce its dependence on Asian production.
