The need to renew the Greek fleet of rescue vessels and tugboats is pointed out by the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and Offshore Support Vessels.
The Association cites a study prepared by the School of Shipbuilding and Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens on the “role of Lifeboat Tugboats and the existing status in Greece” in which it is emphasized that the Greek fleet of lifeboat tugs lags in all technical specifications compared to the corresponding European fleets.
The study
In Greece there are no rescue tugs that can meet the modern needs of its territorial waters, the coverage of the EEZ and the conduct of Search and Rescue (SAR), says the study which proceeds with a comparison of the Greek and European rescue tug fleets, providing a revealing comparison of how far behind the Greek fleet has fallen. Indicatively, it is stated that the average age of the Greek fleet is 35 years, while that of the European fleet is 14 years. The average pulling power of the Greek fleet is 43.75 metric tons, while that of the European fleet is 147 metric tons. Also, the maximum speed of the Greek fleet is 12.4 knots while the European one is 15.6 knots.
And all this in a period, as noted in the study, that the SE Mediterranean is a bone of contention for the largest oil giants and with the Aegean Sea being an area of high traffic density due to the continuous development of oil and gas extraction companies in Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt , Black Sea, Greece and Malta. Also, the Greek territorial waters with their peculiarities such as the abundance of islands, islets and reefs make it necessary to have modern lifesaving means and tugboats.
The proposals
The proposals provided by the NTUA study, among other things, recommend the renewal of the fleet with an investment in modern Rescue Tugboats and the division of the Aegean Sea into Standby Zones. At the same time, the rescue boats will be on alert 24/7, 365 days a year, in order to assist in a timely and efficient manner in an accident within Greek territorial waters, so that accidents like the sinking of the Sea Diamond do not happen again. In this way, the defense of Greece’s sovereign rights in the Aegean is shielded against Turkey’s claims and it is ensured that in the event of an accident, the possible consequences will be avoided or at least minimized (human casualties, environmental pollution, towing costs, etc.), the study emphasizes.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Travel Revenues up 5.4% in Dec. 2024: Bank of Greece
Visitors from Germany, Italy and the U.S. made up the bulk of visitors to Greece, while tourists from the EU27 members accounted for 54.6% of the aggregate receipts in December 2024.
Greece’s Retail Sector Turnover Sees 2.4% Growth in 2024
Among the regions, the North Aegean recorded the highest turnover growth in 2024, with a 3.8% increase, followed by Attica with 3%.
Greece Reallocates Emissions Funds, Prioritizing Industry Over Consumers and Green Transition
Greece shifts €152 million in emissions funds to aid energy-intensive sectors like aluminum and steel at the expense of support for consumers, renewable energy and the green transition.
Santorini Tourism Union Demands Emergency Support Amid Cyclades Seismic Crisis
The Greek government is reportedly considering a mini support package for Santorini, to be activated if the island's seismic activity persists for an extended period.
Societe Generale Says Greek Stock Market Appealing
The French multinational bank and financial services company firm highlights notable differences in equity risk premiums between Eurozone core and peripheral countries
Greece a Safe Destination, Says Tourism Minister Kefalogianni
The Minister noted that Santorini was geologically unique, reassuring everyone that the Tourism Ministry was in close cooperation with experts to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures
Life Expectancy Rise in Europe Slows Down – Greece, UK Record Highest Declines: Lancet Medical Journal
Poor diet and lack of physical activity are seen as key factors contributing to the negative trend.
Capital Ship Management and Lloyd’s Register Complete the World’s First Tanker On-shore Power Supply Compatibility Assessment
This innovative project marks a significant step forward in the transition towards sustainable port operations
Greek Airports See 12.6% Surge in Passenger Traffic in January 2025
The steady extension of the tourist season is fueling optimism, highlighting Greece’s strong position as a top global destination
Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis to Meet U.S. Counterpart Rubio in the U.S.
Greek FM Gerapetritis will be in the U.S. to speak before the United Nations Security Council in New York on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on the war in Ukraine and developments in Syria.
![ΑΠΕ: Ρεκόρ παραγωγής ενέργειας από ΑΠΕ στην ΕΕ το 2023 – Η θέση της Ελλάδας [γραφήματα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ot_ape_ola-1024x600-1-90x90.png)
![Τουρισμός: Τα απανωτά ρεκόρ και ο αστερίσκος της Σαντορίνης – Το στοίχημα της σεζόν [πίνακες]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tourismos-90x90.jpg)
