1^st Conference of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and Offshore Support Vessels

On Monday, 23 June 2025, at the Stone Warehouse of the Piraeus Port Authority, the conference titled “Safety and Growth in the Hellenic Seas” will open its doors. It is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, and the Hellenic Ports Association.

The organizing body, the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and Offshore Support Vessels, aims to highlight the role and importance of this highly specialized yet absolutely vital sector of maritime activity in ensuring navigational safety, the protection of human life at sea, the marine environment, and port infrastructure.

The conference proceedings will focus on the modern operational, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges faced by the sector both within ports and the open seas. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of tugs in the contemporary port management environment, the contribution of salvage vessels to maritime safety and civil protection, the prevention and response to marine pollution incidents, and the growing importance of offshore energy and technical infrastructure in Greece.

Opening addresses will be delivered by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, and the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis. The event will also include two awards of recognition and the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

This conference marks the first step in establishing an open and ongoing dialogue on the present and future of Hellenic maritime support services, at a time when the Hellenic Seas are gaining new geopolitical, operational, social, and developmental significance and potential.

For participation information and expressions of interest:

https://greektugownersconference.gr/en/

Το άρθρο Safety and Growth in the Hellenic Seas εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs announces its support and participation in the research project SEAVIEWS (SEctor Adaptive VIrtual Early Warning System for marine pollution, ADRION Interreg). In this context, the Association, based on the provision of quality services for the protection of the marine environment and the effective prevention of marine pollution, actively participates in the establishment of a national branch for the marine water protection network of the project area, namely the Adriatic and Ionian Seas (Greek Marine Pollution Hub).

The aim of the SEAVIEWS project is to develop an innovative early warning system for the prevention and management of marine pollution from various sources (oil spills, marine litter, etc.). At the same time, the project will create a transnational data network for the collection, storing and analyzing data regarding the marine water quality, gathered from smart sensors installed at critical fixed and moving points in the Adriatic and Ionian region.

In addition, within the framework of the project, National Marine Pollution Hubs will be established with the aim of raising public awareness and preventing marine pollution. The National Marine Pollution Hubs will take into account specific national conditions, the legislation, the existing action plans and protocols for countering marine pollution and the level of public awareness for the protection of the marine environment. Through their action, any special need at a national level will be recognized, using the experience and know-how of the participating organizations and operating as an interactive network that will allow the continuous and free flow of information.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs was founded in 1980 and, since its establishment, it is steadily developing and has become the most prominent and reliable representative of Greek owners of tugs, salvage, antipollution and OSVs. The mission of the Association is the preservation, promotion, protection and development of any kind of the members’ interests in a context of healthy competition. The Association has been following all the international developments, mainly, through its participation in the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and the International Salvage Union (ISC).

The main objective of the Association’s members is to provide services for the protection of human life, the marine environment, ships and facilities. Simultaneously, the members are active at a global level and have extensive and high level of know-how, due to their participation in a variety of projects both in the national and international level. The Association’s members offer their services to more than 8,000 ships annually.

Το άρθρο Support and participation in the SEAVIEWS research project εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs in the context of its social responsibilityand guided by the Association’s Values ‑Integrity, Mutual Respect, Efficiency‑, in order to create better conditions for the societies in which it operates, proceeded with the donation of operational equipment to the Special Missions Squad of Samos’ Port Authority.

The donation includes equipment necessary for the operation of the Special Forces (slings, belts), so that they can carry out their daily, arduous missions. This equipment will help the Special Missions Squad to move safely from land and sea, protecting the physical integrity of the executives.

As the Association’s President, Mr. Pavlos Xiradakis highlighted, “In the difficult period we are going through and given the high cost of the specialized equipment, the donation of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs actively demonstrates our interest in daily operation and the important work of the executives of the Special Missions Squad of Samos’ Port Authority.”

On their part, the Commander and the executives of the Special Missions Squad of Samos’ Port Authority in a letter of thanks to the Association, noted: “We sincerely thank the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs for such a necessary donation of operational equipment. In this way the Association has shown its full support to the people who put everything to defense the Greek Rights, but also its great interest in strengthening the special forces of the Coast Guard. ”

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs was founded in 1980 and, since its establishment, it is steadily developing and has become the most prominent and reliable representative of Greek owners of tugs, salvage, antipollution and OSVs. The mission of the Association is the preservation, promotion, protection and development of any kind of the members’ interests in a context of healthy competition. The Association has been following all the international developments, mainly, through its participation in the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and the International Salvage Union (ISC).

The main objective of the Association’s members is to provide services for the protection of human life, the marine environment, ships and facilities. Simultaneously, the members are active at a global level and have extensive and high level of know-how, due to their participation in a variety of projects both in the national and international level. The Association’s members offer their services to more than 8,000 ships annually.

Το άρθρο Donation to the Port Authority of Samos εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

On June 8, 2021, the laden bulk carrier “River Thames”, bound for the port of Alexandria, ran aground south of the island of Formentera, Spain. Later that day, Megatugs was contracted by the shipowning company of the abovementioned ship to provide assistance and salvage the ship and her cargo, through the international convention LOF 2020.

Both a specialized shipwreck removal crew and salvage tug of suitable bollard pull, immediately, despatched to detach the stranded ship from the spot. In addition, Megatugs mobilized a support vessel to the area with suitable anti-pollution equipment, i.e. inflatable floating dams, skimmer, absorbent materials, etc., as a measure to protect the marine environment. Following completion of the necessary work by the salvage crew and submission of the relevant ship detachment plan to the local authorities, the bulk carrier “River Thames” successfully detached and handed over to the owners on 15 June 2021 noon.

Furthermore, on June 18, 2021, tugs “PANTOCRATOR” and “DOLPHIN I” of Megatugs Salvage & Towage provided towing services to the tanker “NAVION OSLO” (GT 55,756 – DWT 118,209) from the Eleusis’ anchorage to the demolition yards of Aliaga, Turkey. The ship was safely delivered on June 20, 2021 at the demolition yards of Aliaga.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs was founded in 1980 and, since its establishment, it is steadily developing and has become the most prominent and reliable representative of Greek owners of tugs, salvage, antipollution and OSVs. The mission of the Association is the preservation, promotion, protection and development of any kind of the members’ interests in a context of healthy competition. The Association has been following all the international developments, mainly, through its participation in the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and the International Salvage Union (ISC).

The main objective of the Association’s members is to provide services for the protection of human life, the marine environment, ships and facilities. Simultaneously, the members are active at a global level and have extensive and high level of know-how, due to their participation in a variety of projects both in the national and international level. The Association’s members offer their services to more than 8,000 ships annually.

To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

Το άρθρο Salvage and Ocean Towage of “River Thames” and “Navion Oslo” by Megatugs Salvage & Towage εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The modernization of the institutional framework for tugs’ and salvage vessels’ specifications is of strategic importance for the country

Investments over 120 million EUR by members of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs, in an online press conference held today, highlighted the strategic importance of modernizing the institutional framework for tugs’ and salvage vessels’ specifications for the country. At the same time, investments of over 120 million euros were announced by the Association’s members – companies, with the acquisition of 35 new vessels of modern technology complying with international standardsand confirming their development intention.

The Association’s President, Mr. Pavlos Xiradakis noted that the Presidential Decree recently announced by the State regarding the specifications of tugs is of strategic importance and significant not only for the industry and healthy competition, but also because: 1) it is a safety and security issue. Safety and security in our ports safeguard their uninterrupted commercial and tourist operation, 2) ensures the safety of the Greek seas and the prevention of accidents and, finally, 3) it is a competitiveness issue. The provision of modern maritime services upgrades the country’s international image both as a tourist destination and as a logistics hub.

In this context, the last 2 years the Association is in continuous and systematic cooperation with the political leadership of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy for the adoption of new modern specifications and requirements for tugs. They have submitted a detailed plan and concrete proposals for specifications based on international standards and studies. Especially regarding the specifications of the tugs, the Association has already launched a special study in cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens, which they have submitted to the Ministry in order to assist in this effort.

Simultaneously, reference was made to the additional proposals submitted by the Association regarding the consultation on the Presidential Decree, for the enhancement of the new framework, which concern the following points:

• The tugs’ firefighting means which are involved in tanker and oil facility security services must comply with the international standards (FiFi 1, 2 & 3).
• The tugs’ firefighting means should be included in the mandatory and not in the recommended provisions of the PD
• Corrections of formulas for calculating the required bollard pull of ships.
• Use of modern tugs (double-propeller or helipads) in large and busy ports.

What is more, emphasis was given to the urgent need for the legislation of salvage vessels’ new technical specifications, now more than ever that Turkey is growing rapidly in this area. Under these specifications the salvage vessels will meet the modern needs of the country’s territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Search & Rescue (SAR). Towards this end, the Association is in cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and has already launched a special study in cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens for the technical specifications of salvage vessels, which will be submitted to the Ministry.

“From the Greek seas are passing thousands of ships of vast dimensions. Given this increased movement of larger ships, the contribution of the tugs in the departure and arrival of these sea giants is crucial. In the twenty-year period 2000–2020 there were a total of 243 strandings in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. They were marine incidents that led to shipwrecks, more or less known, such as the Sea Diamond in Santorini, the Express Samina off Paros, the Cabrera north of Andros, the Agia Zoni in the Saronic Gulf, etc., which had tragic consequences for human life, pollution of the sea and coastal area, but also enormous economic cost regarding the amount of the compensations, local tourism and fishing activities. Today many of these shipwrecks remain at the bottom of the Greek seas, continuing to be an environmental and economic threat. It is high time that the urgent need for the legislation of the new technical specifications to be covered both for tugs and salvage vessels, in order to meet the modern needs of the country’s territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Search & Rescue (SAR)”, the President underlined.

“Today more than ever, we need a new modern institutional framework for high-level services in the sectors of towage, salvage, shipwreck removal and protection of the marine environment, equivalent to the level of the world’s leading Greek shipping industry. Investments of over 120 million euros were announced by the Association’s members – companies, which will play a strategic role and will upgrade the country’s international image both as a tourist destination and as a logistics hub”, Mr. Xiradakis mentioned.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs was founded in 1980 and, since its establishment, it is steadily developing and has become the most prominent and reliable representative of Greek owners of tugs, salvage, antipollution and OSVs. The mission of the Association is the preservation, promotion, protection and development of any kind of the members’ interests in a context of healthy competition. The Association has been following all the international developments, mainly, through its participation in the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and the International Salvage Union (ISC).

The main objective of the Association’s members is to provide services for the protection of human life, the marine environment, ships and facilities. Simultaneously, the members are active at a global level and have extensive and high level of know-how, due to their participation in a variety of projects both in the national and international level. The Association’s members offer their services to more than 8,000 ships annually.

Το άρθρο Online Press Conference εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs with a sense of social responsibility, supports the National Health System in coping with the adverse conditions resulting from the covid-19 pandemic, thus took the initiative to offer medical equipment at the University-General Hospital “ATTIKON”.

In the context of this initiative, the Association’s members have advanced to the donation of: a) seven (7) high-flow air/oxygen supply apparatus incorporating AIRVO2 humidifier, b) 221 circuit and nasal cannula for the devices mentioned and c)consumables for the operation of the above high-flow air / oxygen supply apparatus, with a total value of €65,000.

The companies – members of the Association participating in the donation are MEGATUGS SALVAGE & TOWAGE and ZOUROS GROUP.

Τhe President of the Association, Mr. Pavlos Xiradakis noted “It is particularly important in difficult times and unprecedented conditions that we all experience, to be able to contribute to the critical battle that the National Health System gives to face the pandemic.The daily struggle of doctors and nurses for the health management and treatment of the tragic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in our country, is an inspiration for all of us”

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs was founded in 1980 and, since its establishment, it is steadily developing and has become the most prominent and reliable representative of Greek owners of tugs, salvage, antipollution and OSVs. The mission of the Association, since its establishment in the shipping industry of our country, is to provide quality services equivalent to Greek shipping industry in towing, salvage, shipwreck removal and the protection of the marine environment.

Simultaneously, all these activities of Association’s members have been performed with the utmost respect for the protection of business and human resources employed either onboard or on land-based jobs. The Association has been following all the international developments, mainly, through its participation in the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and the International Salvage Union (ISU), in order to enable its members to be informed about subjects of common interest and comply with international standards.

To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

To read the letter of the University-General Hospital “ATTIKON” to the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs, please click here.

Το άρθρο Social Responsibility Initiative εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

Piraeus, 26^th March 2021

Dear Minister Mr Ioannis Plakiotakis,

We refer to our communication regarding the grounding of the container ship “EVER GIVEN” which grounded in Suez Canal on 23^rd of March 2021 and continue blocking traffic on one of the world’s most important waterways.

We would like to bring under your attention that the Members of our Union have prompt available the following floating crafts which can be utilized for both pulling and lightering operations for the refloating of the “EVER GIVEN”.

In addition to the above, please note that we can provide our members’ expertise gained from their involvement in numerous salvage operations around the world.

We are remaining at your disposal for any further assistance.

With kind regards,

Pavlos Xiradakis		Nikolaos Tsavliris
President		Secretary

(To view the letter in pdf format click here)

Το άρθρο Letter to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs congratulated the companies – members of MEGATUGS, SPANOPOULOS and ZOUROS for the immediate and successful operation of their tugs “PANTOKRATOR”, “PANTHIR Z”, “CHRISTOS XXX”, “CHRISTOS XXIV” and “P.G. IGNATIOS X” to assist the Naval ship “Callisto”, as well as for their kind gesture to offer to the Greek State – Greek Navy the services of these tugs benevolently, so that the cost would require the entire operation to be used for the needs of the Greek Navy.

With the excellent coordination and cooperation of the Association members’, the Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ministry and the Coast Guard both the crew have been rescued and the sinking of the minesweeper and marine pollution have been avoided.

The companies – members of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs will continue to offer their services with a sense of responsibility.

To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

Το άρθρο Donation to the Greek Navy εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs signed a memorandum of cooperation on November 2nd with a view to joint efforts to strengthen the Piraeus shipping community in general. In the meantime, the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs congratulated the companies – members of MEGATUGS, SPANOPOULOS and ZOUROS for the immediate and successful operation of their tugs “PANTOKRATOR”, “PANTHIR Z”, “CHRISTOS XXX”, “CHRISTOS XXIV” and “P.G. IGNATIOS X” to assist the Naval ship “Callisto”, as well as for their kind gesture to offer to the Greek State – Greek Navy the services of these tugs benevolently, so that the cost would require the entire operation to be used for the needs of the Greek Navy. With the excellent coordination and cooperation of the Association members’, the Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ministry and the Coast Guard both the crew have been rescued and the sinking of the minesweeper and marine pollution have been avoided. The accident, however, brings back the need for constant vigilance regarding the movement of all kind of ships and the important services provided by the tugs and salvage vessels, in order to ensure a safe navigation, the safety of human life and the protection of the marine environment. The companies – members of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs will continue to offer their services with a sense of responsibility.

To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

Το άρθρο Memorandum of Cooperation εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

Our Association, with this press release, declares its full support to the Hellenic Association of Tugs and Salvage Vessels’ Crew.

The failure to satisfy the fair request and the anachronistic legislation are inhibiting factors in the development of the crews, which as employees of the tugs constitute their manpower.

Furthermore, it is emphasized that this is not the only issue, but also a number of other issues, which are pending due to current anachronistic legislation and which negatively affect the smooth and safe operation of tugs and salvage vessels in Greece. These issues have been highlighted, recorded and documented through scientific research and studies. Unfortunately, to date, governmental and official bodies have neglected their settlement, damaging and endangering both people and the environment, as well as third parties (ships, workers and facilities), on the altar of the interests of those who benefit from the obsolete legislation and the chaos created from its implementation, in the context of service and their own aspirations.

With deepest regret we notice that, although the Government’s development actions are advancing to other sectors of entrepreneurship, in our sector time has frozen to 1960–70 leading to third-world conditions rather than European conditions in our ports.

We once again call on the competent bodies for the resolution of these issues, the consolidation and the modernization of our sector.
To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

Το άρθρο Press Release εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

Our Association with a new board of directors announces new actions aimed at the consolidation and modernization of the following sectors, which we represent:

• the tugs’ sector
• the antipollution vessels’ sector
• the salvage vessels’ sector and
• the offshore support vessels’ sector

In some of these actions, we will make a special reference. The issue of updating our national legislation, which is considered anachronistic and outdated, becomes a topical issue, as it does not meet the modern needs and requirements of our fleet and falls far behind the current European and international standards.

From audits and surveys, which were conducted on our initiative by valid and technologically recognized organizations and institutions, the conclusions about the state of our fleet at the national level were unsatisfactory.These conclusions indicate that a significant percentage of the tug fleet in Greece is obsolete and technologically inferior to the European tug fleet.The age of the Greek tugs far exceed the European boundaries, while their equipment does not cover the modern needs and requirements for the safety of the workers, the environment and the port facilities during the execution of the towing operations.

The reason for these bad conclusions is the current institutional framework in our country and the competition in the ports, where because of seeking only the short-term profit; the fleet was not modernized and renewed, despite the fact that the shipowners make investment efforts, realizing the obvious necessity of modernization. The fiscal regime and national legislation do not favor these creative investments as well as technological efforts.

Therefore, our Association calls on the stakeholders and all parties involved to take into account this cost and consider whether it is appropriate to take a regulatory measure or make an investment, for the safety of ships and ports, workers, the environment and the public interest in general.

If such an approach is followed, the various efforts we have planned for the modernization of our fleet in all sectors will undoubtedly be boosted.

Our Association is committed and puts at the core of its goals the abovementioned issues.

In this context,in the sector of salvage vessels similar actions should be taken, in order for our country to acquire “purely” salvage vessels again, with the sole task of providing assistance in the maritime territory, considering that as a matter of national importance. Search and rescue in the Greek maritime territory, along with the protection of the marine environment, must be ensured. Our Association and its members set this as basic goal and are willing to make relevant investment actions, provided that the appropriate conditions are created, regarding the financial and legislative framework of these activities.

Regarding the field of offshore support vessels, suitable ships with specific capabilities and characteristics, actions have already been taken from our side and we believe when our intervention is required, we will respond successfully.

Το άρθρο New Action Plan εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.

The Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management (HHRM) signed a cooperation agreement with the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and OSVs.
The two-year cooperation agreement addresses safety issues of offshore hydrocarbon research and exploitation operations. More specifically, the two partners will cooperate in the following areas:

• Establishment of minimum technical specifications for support vessels involved in offshore hydrocarbon operations
• Preparation of proposals for the development of legislation on issues such as the categorization of support vessels participating in offshore hydrocarbon operations and their certification requirements

It is recalled that Law 4409/2016 designates the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management as the competent authority for the control of major risks in the hydrocarbon research and exploitation operations in Greece.

HHRM’s Profile
The Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management (HHRM Ltd) was founded in 2011 (Law 4001/2011 Chapter B). The company manages with consistency, transparency, flexibility and in accordance with the current European legislation, the exclusive rights of the Greek State in the exploration, research and exploitation of hydrocarbons.
For more information you can visit the website: http://www.greekhydrocarbons.gr.

To read the press release in Greek and pdf format, please click here.

Το άρθρο Press Release εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution & OSVs.