Traditional wooden boat. Photo source: Traditional Boat Association of Greece
The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Greece’s traditional wooden shipbuilding heritage.
Deputy Minister Stefanos Gkikas recently addressed industry professionals, emphasizing the government’s determination to ensure this centuries-old craft remains a living tradition.
Speaking at an event at the Yacht Club of Greece, hosted by the Archipelagos Network and the Traditional Boat Association of Greece in celebration of Maritime Heritage, Gkikas highlighted recent government initiatives designed to protect this cultural art form and support Greek shipyards.
Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas. Photos source: Maritime Ministry
The ministry’s actions include:
– Resolving environmental licensing issues for shipyards.
– Introducing a legal definition for “karnagio” (shipyard/boatyard) and “tarsanas” (traditional dry dock) for the first time.
– Amending shoreline and beach laws to simplify space leasing for shipyards and dry docks and improve compensation calculation.
– Creating a national registry of shipyards to enhance their recognition and access to financial support.
– Collaborating with port authorities to facilitate or renew space leases for shipyards within port land zones.
During the event, Traditional Boat Association of Greece President Nikolaos Kavallieros stressed the urgency of halting the ongoing destruction of traditional Greek wooden fishing boats. He proposed that these vessels be repurposed for leisure activities with limited fishing functions to help preserve this cultural tradition.
Photos source: Maritime Ministry
Jacob Moe, founder and General Director of the Archipelago Network, also presented the organization’s research on traditional maritime crafts, documented across 11 Cycladic islands over the past five years.
To further safeguard this cultural heritage, Gkikas announced the ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education to launch specialized schools for wooden vessel construction in Perama and Syros.
“We must preserve and highlight our maritime tradition,” Gkikas said. “It is a responsibility we owe to our ancestors – and to future generations.”
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