Prominent Greek shipowner George Procopiou is unfolding plans for the country’s Skaramangas shipyard. Speaking to financial news portal Finupnews.gr, Mr. Procopiou the shipyard has already boosted its activity, starting with repair work on the LNG carriers of his shipping Group, which has a fleet of 29 vessels.
The shipowner said he believes Skaramangas to be highly competitive, adding that suezmax-type vessels could also be repaired on site. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing for the possible repair of German submarines, with a prospective agreement further aiding the yard’s business, while mega yachts is also an area of interest.
In light of rumors that the Greek government may order the building of warships, George Procopiou went on to tell Finupnews that he did not acquire Skaramangas to secure government contracts, but his aim is to make the business competitive in the market. He added that the yard is of course capable of building corvette warships, however, that would require considerable time and planning.
Asked if former Shipping Minister Miltiades Varvitsiotis could be handed a role at Skaramangas, Procopiou said the former has always been close to him since deciding to depart politics, as he “is interested in the shipping industry and loves the seas”.
Mr. Procopiou spoke to Finupnews on the sidelines of a Cyprus Shipping Ministry marking mark the 60th anniversary from the establishment of the Cyprus Shipping Registry. The Dynacom Tankers & Dynagas chief was recently presented with the Cyprus Shipping Award by Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus.