Merchant Marine Minister Christos
Merchant Marine Minister Christos
Papoutsis noted that the government wanted to be informed directly of the problems and needs experienced by the region so that these are dealt with in the best way possible. He said that the coastal shipping industry had made great strides in terms of quality in recent years, bringing the Greek mainland and islands closer to the people.
Island representatives sought an upgrading of vessels sailing the Aegean, a greater number of services and even-handedness in the distribution of service permits to shipping companies in an effort to avoid monopolisation of routes.
Papoutsis stressed there was a need for punctuality in ship schedules, more services in some cases as well as a high level of safety and service quality. He said the sector needed to be reorganised, with the private sector and local communities providing input, so that it can be prepared for the liberalisation of the market in three years time.
He said the ministry was determined to make every effort to work together with shipping lines and other interested parties in order to achieve these goals.
Discussions with representatives from Crete and mainland Greece have been planned.
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