L.E.P. at the Syros Shipyard: Development is a Shared Responsibility
On June 17, representatives of the Piraeus Business Club toured the Syros Shipyards, owned by the ONEX Group of Mr. Panos Xenokostas, and held discussions on shipbuilding and repair with Mr. Vassilis Savvidis, General Manager of ONEX Neorion Shipyards.
During their extended discussion with Mr. Savvidis, Mr. Leoutsakos and Mr. Paraskevopoulos were briefed on the goals and business plan of ONEX Neorion Shipyards.
Mr. Savvidis emphasized firmly, that the environment and its protection, within the framework of sustainable development, has always been, is, and will remain the top priority. “The shipyard is a source of life for the island of Syros, not a force of destruction,” he stated. “We must do everything in our power to safeguard the environment and quality of life, while also ensuring job creation and supporting the growth of both the local economy and the maritime industry in our country.”
A second key topic discussed was the extensive repairs carried out on the shipyard’s docks and facilities, which are designed to align fully with the broader character and aesthetic of Ermoupoli.
During the discussion with Mr. Savvidis, personal views and reflections were also shared—grounded in real data and statistical evidence on issues affecting the broader Greek business community. “Greece’s economy has suffered numerous and varied setbacks over the past decades, with the pandemic marking a particularly severe blow. In an effort to boost tourism, we ended up neglecting and weakening the country’s industrial sector. However, when one pillar collapses, it drags the others down with it. The goal, therefore, must be the simultaneous development of both sectors.”
Visibly moved, Mr. Savvidis told the Club’s representatives that “ONEX Neorion Shipyards has taken on a personal mission: to establish an apprenticeship school for the youth of Syros, so that the shipyard can open its doors to younger generations and become a core hub of employment for the island’s young people.”
The Piraeus Business Club, whose mission is to collaborate with people and businesses across the country to build a shared vision and common goals, commended ONEX Neorion Shipyards for its initiatives, modernization efforts, and overall commitment. Many of the company’s actions and views align closely with the Club’s own philosophy. This recognition comes in light of the significant advancements in the shipbuilding industry and entrepreneurship. by experts, not elites , in an effort to help Greece reclaim its rightful place on the global stage in this industry.
Finally, Mr. Leoutsakos and Mr. Paraskevopoulos emphasized that “this meeting served as a catalyst for action and future collaboration, as the development of our country is a collective effort—not an individual or purely local matter.”