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G REEK M A RI T I M E H ERI T A G E
GREEK MARITIME HERITAGE

Ö You belong to the generation Indeed, the policy of governments KA TRADIS GROUP OF COMP ANIES
of Greek shipping entrepre- in recent years reveals an effort to
neurs who flourished during upgrade the Greek repair and main-
a period that was favourable tenance industry, not the shipbuilding
for international trade and industry. A striking example is the case
transport. However, in recent of Syros, where high-level repair work
decades, the number of new is carried out daily on both commer-
entrants into the shipping cial and passenger ships. The exper-
industry has been minimal. tise of professionals is the main point
Do you think the general cli- of excellence, as it combines a centu-
mate is no longer conducive ries-old tradition in repair with modern
to new entrepreneurs enter- technology. And we cannot overlook the
ing the sector? strides made in the maritime equipment
Each era has its own characteristics and procurement sector under the guidance
opportunities. of Greek companies.
Your observation is extremely apt. You On the other hand, a relative cost diver-
have raised a serious issue that is rele- gence is to be expected, especially
vant today, which we must address since when Greek shipyards and supply com-
Greek shipping remains one of the main panies are compared with their foreign
pillars of our country’s economy and is counterparts, such as those of East
undoubtedly the largest shipping power Asia.
in the world. The financial crisis led to As far as shipbuilding is concerned, the
a crisis of confidence, reduced liquidity, truth is that there have been attempts
People often fail and inevitably prevented banking insti- to build ships in the past, especially
to understand the tutions from supporting businesses, thus ocean-going vessels, but they were not
cyclicality limiting the methods of financing-related successful, at least not to the extent
of shipping and investments and forcing entrepreneurs that we had hoped. The “hows” and
expect quick profits. to turn to alternative forms of capital “whys” constitute a long discussion that
Shipping is no raising (such as capital markets, funds, should be had at some point. Perhaps
different from other etc.). In any case, both existing and aspir- we are being given a second chance, as
industries, so one ing entrepreneurs in the industry have with yachts and small passenger boats,
has to be patient. forged on by relying on these solutions, but the State should assist and address Thinking globally. Acting sustainably!
and for the most part, the results have the challenge with due seriousness.
been encouraging.
Moreover, considering the downward â What lessons have you Katradis Group has developed an efficient Environmental Management System in an effort to reduce
trend of the shipping market, which has learned from the protracted or even eliminate its environmental footprint. A main focus area is the production process, where
remained at low levels, especially in the crises in the shipping mar- reducing used energy and waste of resources and minimizing sewage is a primary objective.
last ten years, it is understandable that kets, especially during the
the climate has not been favourable for 1980s and the more recent
new entrepreneurs to enter the industry. 2008 crisis? ZERO WASTE POLICY - for all packaging materials and production wastes which are delivered to recycling facilities
However, there are now clear signs of Undoubtedly, we have learned import-
recovery, which we must take advantage ant lessons from the protracted crises ENERGY SAVINGS – optimization of the manufacturing process with minimization of reactive power and higher efficiency with led
of by capitalising on past lessons and suffered by the shipping markets. The powered lights.
developing our capacity for flexibility financial crisis of the 1980s hit the DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS – for energy sufficiency while conserving the earth’s natural resources.
and rapid adaptation. shipping sector almost immediately,
which was to be expected considering ECO ROPES – reducing carbon footprint and improving the environmental performance by using recycled polymers.
á In recent years, a great effort that more than 80% of world trade is
has been made to revive the carried out by sea. That crisis caused ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – ISO 14001:2015 AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ISO 9001:2015
Greek shipbuilding industry. the worst recession in 70 years, drag-
What are the current advan- ging down in its wake every developed
tages of Greek shipyards and economy.
marine equipment manufac- In the 2008 crisis, central banks failed
turing and supply compa- to use the tools at their disposal to
nies? Where do they excel, prevent excessive lending, ignoring the
and where do they lag com- risks that could threaten their financial
pared to their international stability at any time. The global crisis
High Quality Synthetic Mooring Ropes for the Marine Industry - Steel Wire Ropes
competitors? thus led to a significant reduction in Sacrificial Anodes - Anchors & Anchor Chains - Port Development Equipment - Vessel Deck Equipment
11, Psaron str., 186 48 Piraeus, Greece, T: +30 2104060300 - F: +30 2104626268 - E: info@katradis.com - www.katradis.com
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