V. Kikilias: “Contract Signed for 7 New High-Speed Patrol Boats for the Hellenic Coast Guard, Worth €23.8 Million”

A contract for the procurement of seven new high-speed patrol boats for the Hellenic Coast Guard was signed today by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, at a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. The contract has a total value of €23.8 million.

The new vessels will strengthen the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in patrolling Greek waters, protecting the country’s maritime borders, monitoring fishing activities, combating illegal activities, and conducting search and rescue operations.

The contract concerns seven MAGNAR 1950-type vessels, measuring 21.29 metres in length, which will be built in Greece by VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT HELLAS, the company awarded the contract. It also provides for the option to procure up to seven additional vessels of the same type in the future.

In his address, Mr Kikilias referred to the increased demands facing the Coast Guard in a challenging period, stressing the need to continuously equip its personnel with modern resources.

“We are living in difficult times, marked by geopolitical instability. The responsibilities we face as a Ministry and as a Coast Guard are considerable, and the procurement of seven new high-speed patrol boats represents another decisive step in our efforts to support the men and women of the Hellenic Coast Guard, enabling them to fulfil their patriotic duty with the most modern equipment at their disposal. We want to make their work easier as they face the challenges of today and tomorrow,” the Minister noted.

He called on all parties involved to adhere strictly to the agreed timetable so that, within six to twelve months from today, the vessels can begin to be delivered one after another.

Referring to the fact that the new patrol boats will be built in Greece and highlighting the importance of strengthening the country’s shipbuilding industry, Mr Kikilias stated:

“From the very first moment I took office as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, I stressed that operational capability and the ability to strengthen ourselves on a permanent basis—and eventually achieve self-sufficiency—are essential. Our ability to manufacture our own equipment, and therefore to maintain strong shipyards and a robust shipbuilding industry, is both a necessary and a fundamental condition for this effort. It is now becoming clear that Greek shipyards and Greek companies operating in this sector are growing increasingly stronger.”

He also made particular reference to the personnel of the Hellenic Coast Guard, drawing on his personal experience during visits to the islands and patrols aboard Coast Guard vessels.

“Throughout this period, during my visits to our islands, both large and small, I have had the opportunity to travel aboard many different types of Coast Guard vessels and witness first-hand—and I acknowledge this with great pride—the competence, professionalism and patriotism of our personnel, our Coast Guard officers,” he said.

Regarding the broader plan to modernise the Hellenic Coast Guard and the priorities of its mission, the Minister emphasised:

“It is extremely important for us, as we work to create and build a modern, strong Hellenic Coast Guard, that we are moving forward with procurement and development programmes involving artificial intelligence, the new Operations Centre (KEPICH), the National Maritime Surveillance System (ESOTHE), the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS), drones, sensors and everything else required in the modern era to support our personnel. We must also have the equipment we need.

“We must be able to police our borders effectively, operate with confidence and uphold our doctrine. We are a country that must be able to put into practice everything it announces.”

Concluding his remarks, the Minister addressed the personnel of the Hellenic Coast Guard, stating:

“I want you to act with confidence, while remaining fully aware of your duty and the difficulties involved. I want you to respect the public and society, our island communities, our people and our seas, because the sea demands respect and caution.

“Our priorities are clear: above all, the safety and protection of human life, and, of course, the protection of our maritime borders. We must be ready, organised and operating at the highest possible level.”

The new patrol boats will be capable of reaching speeds of at least 50 knots and covering distances of at least 320 nautical miles. Each vessel will accommodate a crew of six and have an overall capacity of at least 30 people. They will also be equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, as well as specialised equipment for search and rescue operations.

On behalf of the contractor, Ioannis Georgiadis, a representative of the company, stated:

“Today is a particularly important day for Viking Greece, for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and for Greek shipbuilding and industrial activity. With the signing of the contract for the construction of seven modern, high-speed MAGNAR patrol boats, with an option for seven additional vessels, a project of strategic importance for the country and the Hellenic Coast Guard is now beginning.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, to the Ministry’s leadership and staff, and to the Hellenic Coast Guard for the trust they have placed in our company. This trust is a great honour to us, but it also places a significant responsibility on our shoulders.

“We are committed to delivering vessels with advanced operational capabilities that will substantially strengthen the Hellenic Coast Guard’s mission to protect maritime borders, safeguard human life at sea and ensure national security.

“Of particular importance is the fact that these vessels will be built entirely in Greece, at our facilities in Thebes. This represents an investment in Greek industry, Greek expertise and Greek workers. The programme will create jobs, develop new skills and strengthen our country’s productive capacity.

“Viking is an international organisation with a strong presence in Greece spanning many decades. Our aim is to combine international experience and the highest quality standards with Greek manufacturing and innovation. Today’s project is perhaps the best example of this philosophy.

“In closing, I would like to reiterate our commitment to working with professionalism, consistency and dedication to deliver a result that meets the expectations of the State and of the Hellenic Coast Guard personnel who will operate these vessels on a daily basis.

“Thank you very much for your trust. We look forward to seeing the first Greek-built MAGNAR vessels operating in Greek waters soon.”

The procurement is being financed through the Public Investment Development Programme, under the co-funded programme “Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Sea 2021–2027.”

The contract also provides for a four-year warranty period or 6,000 operating hours for the main engines, whichever comes first, with no additional financial burden on the Hellenic Coast Guard for work covered by the warranty.