The World Sustainable Transport Day is an annual reminder of the need for transport systems that support not only economic growth, but also social cohesion and environmental protection.
In Greece, this discussion takes on special importance, as coastal shipping is an integral element of everyday life, insularity and national connectivity.
The President of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), Dionysis Theodoratos, in his message stated that SEEN participates in the celebration of the World Sustainable Transport Day, highlighting the decisive role of Greek passenger shipping in sustainable mobility, environmental protection, economic development, social welfare and social cohesion, geographical continuity, and regional development of the country.
“Greece is one of the most important European powers in passenger shipping, managing approximately 18% of European coastal shipping traffic, despite the fact that it corresponds to only 2% of the population of the European Union. This reality confirms that coastal shipping is not just a transport sector; it is a pillar of cohesion, development and equal access for our island regions and for maritime connectivity with other EU countries through the ‘coastal’ lines between Greece and Italy,” emphasized Theodoratos.
He also pointed out that coastal shipping – serving 145 ports – as the main and only way to connect our 89 islands that have no airport with the mainland, as well as intra-island transport – is a vital element of sustainable coastal shipping.
For this reason, SEEN stressed that coastal shipping requires specialized policies, targeted financing and a strategic approach, particularly in the areas of green transition, energy saving and fleet renewal.
“Passenger shipping is at the heart of the European effort to reduce emissions, develop clean technologies and strengthen the resilience of transport systems. The concept of ‘Motorways of the Sea’, which the European Union introduced two decades ago, remains more relevant today than ever, strengthening the shift of transport to greener, more efficient and safer maritime routes,” underlined the president of the coastal shipping association, noting that their organization supports the initiatives of the Council and the European Parliament to maintain the decisive role of maritime transport in achieving Europe’s common environmental and development goals.
“With a commitment to sustainable development, to our islanders, to our seafarers, to innovation and to the sea that unites us, we continue to work for a strong, modern, friendly and sustainable coastal shipping,” Theodoratos stated.
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