Alandmark agreement for the construction of two new, ultra-modern, high-specification tugboats was signed by ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage. The tugboats will be built entirely in Greece, marking a new era for the domestic shipbuilding industry.
The signing ceremony took place at ONEX’s shipyard facilities in Elefsina, in the presence of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Vasilis Kikilias, and the Ambassador of the United States to Athens, Ms. Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle.
The partnership between ONEX and MEGATUGS substantially enhances maritime safety, operational readiness, and the protection of the marine environment, while at the same time contributing to the establishment of a stable and sustainable foundation for the Greek shipbuilding industry, with a clear developmental and strategic footprint.
The agreement, which provides for the construction of two vessels with an option for two additional units, was signed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ONEX Group and President of the Hellenic Shipyards Association, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, and the Chief Officer of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage and President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and Offshore Support Vessels, Mr. Paul Xiradakis.
The construction of modern tugboats in Greece enhances the country’s ability to support critical port and maritime infrastructure, as well as offshore and energy activities, in an environment of increased geopolitical and operational demands.
At the same time, domestic industrial and technical capacity is reinforced, the preservation of specialized shipbuilding expertise is ensured, and the conditions are created for long-term, reliable productive activity with broader significance for national security and the economy.
ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, through a structured investment and production plan, has brought shipbuilding activity in Greece back to the forefront, developing modern infrastructure, know-how and skilled personnel.
In recent years, particular emphasis has been placed on the creation of an integrated production line for modern tugboats, enabling Greek shipyards to compete with similar facilities abroad and to meet the needs of both the Greek and international markets.
MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage has nearly five decades of experience in towage, salvage, pollution response, and offshore support services, with a strong presence in both the Greek and international markets. Its operational strategy is based on continuous fleet renewal and quality upgrades, with investments in high-power vessels with enhanced capabilities that meet modern safety and environmental protection requirements.
Statements
Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias
“Safety in ports and at sea is an absolute priority for the Greek government and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. Today’s agreement, signed at the Elefsina Shipyards in the presence of the Ambassador of the United States of America, Ms. Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle, confirms this priority in practice.
The cooperation between ONEX, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, and MEGATUGS, Mr. Paul Xiradakis, with the support of the shipyard workforce, creates the conditions for new investments fully aligned with the Greek and European institutional framework. These investments concern critical support vessels, such as tugboats, which substantially enhance port safety and operational functionality.
At the same time, today marks tangible confirmation of Greek–American cooperation in the fields of shipping and industry. These are investments that create new jobs and reflect the ongoing upgrading path of Greek shipping.
Shipping and shipbuilding are sectors that the Greek government supports consistently and decisively, recognizing their role in safety, development and the overall strengthening of the Greek economy.”
U.S. Ambassador to Athens, Ms. Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle
“Today’s steel-cutting ceremony marks the beginning of a new and meaningful chapter for the Greek shipbuilding sector and is clear proof of the strategic cooperation between the United States and Greece.
ONEX’s next-generation tugboats enhance the safety and efficiency of Greek ports, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth, supporting Greece’s vision for modern and reliable maritime infrastructure.
American financing actively supports this effort. The United States invests in projects with tangible results and honors its commitments, as demonstrated by the role of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in the revival of the Elefsina Shipyards.
The maritime and seafaring ties between the United States and Greece have a strong future. As maritime nations, we share history, values, and a common commitment to hard work and innovation. Today is only the beginning of even more cooperation in the future.”
Chairman & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and President, Hellenic Shipyards Association, Mr. Panos Xenokostas
“Today marks an important milestone for the ONEX Group Shipyards and the Greek shipbuilding industry. Less than three years after the restart of the Elefsina Shipyards and seven years after the restart of the Syros Shipyards, we are operating at full production capacity, serving hundreds of vessels.
Of particular importance is the fact that this is the first newbuilding contract with Greek clients after decades, for two newly built tugboats with an option for two more, confirming ONEX’s strategy to invest in production and measurable results.
Of particular significance is the fact that this is the first newbuilding contract with Greek clients after decades, for two newly built tugboats with an option for two additional vessels, confirming ONEX’s strategy to invest in production and measurable results.
This project was supported by close cooperation between the Greek Government and the United States.
Timely financing of USD 125 million by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), combined with the institutional framework shaped with the support of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the competent ministries, created the conditions for the reconstruction of shipbuilding activity in Elefsina.
A decisive role is played by the shipyard workforce, which forms the core of the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry. ONEX remains committed to developing modern production lines and ensuring that Greek shipyards play a leading role internationally.”
Managing Director of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage and President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association of Tugs, Salvage, Antipollution and Offshore Support Vessels, Mr. Paul Xiradakis
“The selection of ONEX shipyards for the construction of MEGATUGS Group’s new modern tugboats reflects our confidence in the capabilities of the Greek shipbuilding industry, as well as in the workforce and expertise that support it.
With today’s agreement, we actively support the revival of Greek shipbuilding by being the first to invest in new, high-specification modern tugboats that substantially enhance safety and operational effectiveness in Hellenic and international waters.”
IDENTITY OF THE NEW TUGBOATS
Technical characteristics
The two new tugboats to be built at ONEX’s Greek shipyards belong to the ASD Escort / Terminal Tug category and are based on the internationally recognized RAstar 2800 design by Robert Allan Ltd. These are high-power vessels with enhanced operational capabilities, designed for demanding missions in ports, open seas, and energy installations.
Main technical data
Propulsion system and power
Operational capabilities
The tugboats are suitable for:
Safety systems & equipment
Environmental and regulatory compliance
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