The official inauguration of the Neorion Syros Shipyards, which reopens under the ownership of ONEX Shipyards, took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. The previous night, Tuesday 3, a gala dinner was held by ONEX SYROS SHIPYARDS and the American Embassy.
Representatives and key players from the political, business, maritime world, local authorities and Syros residents attended the inaugural event. The ceremony officially marked the “new era” for Greece’s shipbuilding industry.
Greeting remarks were given by the Orthodox Metropolitan of Syros, Dorotheus II, the Bishop of the Catholic Church, Father Petros Stephanou, the Honorable Ambassador of the United States of America to Greece, Mr. Geoffrey R.Pyatt, the Minister of Development and Investments, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, the South Aegean Regional Governor, George Chatzimarkos, the Mayor of Syros-Ermoupolis, Mr. Nikolaos Livadaras, the Workers’ Union of Neorion Shipyards, Mr. Antonis Chatzantonis. The speeches session was closed by the President & CEO, ONEX Group and the Neorion Syros Shipyards, Mr. Panos T. Xenokostas.
The Metropolitan of Syros opened the event, saying it was “a historic moment that gives vision and hope to a small but blessed place.” Father Petros Stefanou then stressed that this investment gives Syros an opportunity to “regain its footing”.
US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt said it was “a significant US investment – strategic, commercial and symbolic”. He also hoped that ONEX Shipyards would soon take over the Elefsina Shipyards.
Both the Minister of Development & Investments and the Minister of Labor sent a message of hope and optimism. Characteristically, Mr. Georgiadis stressed that “shipbuilding is returning to Greece and Syros is just the beginning”, while Mr. Vroutsis described the investment as “a compass for the future of tomorrow’s Greece”.
Mr. Panos Xenokostas’ message was also full of emotion and optimism at the end of the event, now officially welcoming all guests to the country’s “first independent shipyard”.
