Ministry Looking to Overcome Barriers to Create Waterways Network in Greece

Greece’s Ministry of Development and Investments is looking to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles that are standing in the way of the establishment of a waterways network throughout the country, according to Greek company Hellenic Seaplanes.

The announcement followed a recent meeting the company held with Development and Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis to discuss ways to overcome pending issues in order to proceed to the faster development of the necessary infrastructure (waterways) throughout Greece – for seaplanes routes to begin.

The Greek waterways network is a project that has been delayed for some five years, according to Hellenic Seaplanes.

During the meeting, Hellenic Seaplanes Chairman and Managing Director Nicolas Charalambous presented the company’s development strategy for seaplanes, which, he said, has attracted the interest of domestic and foreign investors.

According to Charalambous, due to their strategic nature, these projects are expected to create a favorable investment environment for the benefit of isolated Greek destinations.

Following the meeting, Minister Georgiadis said that the ministry is looking to eliminate any bureaucratic obstacles related to the creation of a waterways network in Greece and improve the current legal framework that is not “friendly” to private investments.

“As a ministry and as a government we support all investment initiatives in the seaplanes sector, which can become a development lever for Greece,” he said.

Impression of Hellenic Seaplanes’ Elefsina waterway project.

The minister added that seaplane routes can boost the economic activity of islands, create new jobs and make it easier to connect the mainland with destinations that lack transportation means.

On his part, Charalambous said that – considering the government’s determination – he believes that this summer will be the last for Greece without seaplanes.

“Greece, as a Polynesian country, will benefit from the operation of seaplanes, since they can become the link that is missing from the country’s existing transport network to ensure the easier accessibility of tourists to the islands,” he said

Charalambous added that seaplane routes are expected to expand the tourism market, as visitors will be able to visit even more islands – especially those that are small and isolated – during their stay in Greece, making their vacation packages even more attractive.