Greek
entrepreneurs involved in the shipping manufacturing sector are targeting
customers on the international market like never before. The sector may be in
crisis but Greek shipowners are blossoming and local marine equipment
manufacturers are increasingly focusing their attention on exports.
International
financing opportunities for marine products, services and technologies of high
added-value are also starting to emerge. Funds for research and technology
amounting to tens of billions of euros.
While
credit from Europe remains elusive, there are ongoing talks between Greek
entrepreneurs and Koreans, Japanese, Vietnamese and the Chinese. The latter are
showing particularly strong interest in working with Greek shipyards and
manufacturers, and exchanging know-how with them. The presence of Cosco’s
subsidiary in Piraeus has been the catalyst for such cooperations. The numerous
orders by Greek shipowners made to Chinese shipyards have also played a
significant role.
The first
tangible results of this export-oriented strategy have come from South Korea.
Athens and Seoul have signed a deal through which Greek manufacturers of marine
equipment for new vessels have received orders from the Korean shipbuilding
industry. This includes an order by Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries worth 12
million euros.
The success
of the cooperation with the Koreans has encouraged the Greeks to also turn to
China, Japan and Vietnam. This process has involved the ministries of Merchant
Marine, Foreign Affairs and Development, as well as the Hellenic Marine
Equipment Manufacturers and Exports, an association of 15 Greek firms that was
founded a few months ago and has already secured some significant orders.
Among the
Korean industries to have opened negotiations with Greek manufacturers are
Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung
Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding,
Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction and Sungdong Shipbuilding &
Marine Engineering.
(ekathimerini.com)