Greek Maritime and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias visited the port of Piraeus to inspect coast guard operations as holidaymakers returned from the islands.
Accompanied by Vice Admiral Christos Kontorouchas, the chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, the minister visited Gate E2 directly in front of the passenger car ferry Ariadne. Senior officers briefed the minister on the traffic management plan created to handle the seasonal surge in ferry passengers.
Piraeus is the largest seaport in Greece and serves as the primary maritime gateway for the capital city of Athens. Located on the Saronic Gulf, the port connects mainland Greece with island archipelagos across the Aegean Sea and ranks among the busiest passenger harbors in Europe.
Coast guard deployment and passenger guidance
Kikilias stated that the return of travelers from island destinations toward the country's main ports was reaching its highest point, with Piraeus receiving the largest share of returning traffic.
Kikilias noted that coast guard personnel were stationed across key harbor points to assist passengers and ensure that scheduled ferry sailings proceeded without interruption.
He called on travelers to show patience and to arrive at departure docks early so that ship boarding could take place safely and without delays. Kikilias stressed that coast guard officers were on site to serve the public with courtesy and respect while upholding maritime regulations.
He also expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the force, praising their professionalism and dedication throughout the busy summer travel period.
The Hellenic Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, managing harbor policing, sea rescue, and passenger safety across Greece's extensive coastline.
Wildfire response and economic support
Reflecting on the summer, Kikilias highlighted the role of the coast guard in emergency operations during recent wildfires. He recalled that coast guard personnel participated in evacuations that rescued hundreds of citizens from areas affected by fires.
Greece frequently experiences severe summer wildfires caused by high temperatures and strong winds. During major fire outbreaks in coastal regions, coast guard vessels and private boats are regularly deployed to rescue stranded residents and vacationers from beaches.
Looking ahead, the minister emphasized that the summer tourist season was not over and instructed all relevant port services to remain on full alert.
Kikilias concluded by emphasizing that Greek islands, maritime tourism, coastal shipping, and port services form a vital pillar of the national economy. He said these sectors generate critical revenue that flows directly to Greek families, independent workers, and local family businesses, adding that the government would continue to protect and support them.
