Page 98 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022

SPACE & MARITIME

for secure connectivity. Due to its global coverage
capabilities, a secure Satcom system is the only
choice to provide these remotely piloted ships
with communication and connectivity systems, con-
sidering that terrestrial infrastructures cannot be
exploited in this case.
It is abundantly evident that the combined strengths
of our Space Programme’s components can meet
user needs and policies related to all sectors of
a sustainable blue economy. It is reminded that
Greece’s long maritime tradition has allowed it to
contribute significantly to the EU’s Blue Economy.
As regards the 1st Pytheas Maritime Space Forum,
the strong presence of younger generation profes-
sionals and students was praiseworthy.
Concluding, Pytheas’s legendary voyages relied on
an almost atavistic sense of connection between
the ocean and space, which to this day both remain
vast and largely unexplored. But space technologies
have seamlessly connected these two fathomless
realms to benefit human activity on Earth.
For what it is worth, Pytheas, the legendary geogra-
pher, explorer and astronomer, is still proudly sailing
with us today!

TOGETHER technologies and innovations will be applied to the
designs of new merchant ships, completely changing
WE WILL LEAD the industry’s outlook. Technologies such as auto-
mation and robotics systems, novel materials, secure
GREECE TO and accurate navigation and shipping, and new com-
munication capabilities will characterise new ship
designs, products, and freight services worldwide. At
THE NEW SPACE the 1st Pytheas Maritime Space Forum, space-based
ERA technologies experts elaborated on the utilisation
of such technologies in the shipping industry.
by Athanasios Staveris-Polykalas In my capacity as Secretary General of Telecommu-
Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post, nications and Post, I oversee the country’s civilian
Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance
space engagement. Let me highlight some of its
main elements.
Greece is world-famous primarily for its role as a Although Greece is often considered a newcomer
top maritime nation with an elaborate affiliated in the space sector, this is not the case. Greece
maritime industry. Shipping is one of the country’s has been a founding member of the United Nations
most significant and productive sectors, allowing it International Telecommunication Union since 1865
to maintain its leading position in terms of quantity and has its own orbital positions and rights in space,
and quality. The ships of the Greek-owned fleet which are managed under Greek national law by
represent around 20% of the world’s tonnage and Hellas Sat 2, our national operator. The launch of
almost 60% of the European Union fleet. Our coun- Hellas Sat 2 in 2003 placed Greece among the
try is a reliable partner providing shipping services so-called space-faring nations. With the launch of
through a fleet of ships, including new acquisitions Hellas Sat 3 and 4, we saw new opportunities aris-
that implement state-of-the-art technologies. ing. As of 2019, these new satellites have provided
Industry 4.0 utilises space technologies such the country with an operational Government Sat-
as navigation/positioning, satellite communica- ellite Communications (Govsatcom) system named
tion, and earth observation. It is predicted that ‘GreeCom’, which connects ministries, parliament,
said applications will be enablers for the next embassies, civil protection authorities, etc. Through
generation of seafarers. It is also expected that in its Govsatcom, Greece is one of only six European
the coming years, a significant number of modern countries that have their own system.

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